DSS Reacts to Allegations of Keeping Nnamdi Kanu in Solitary Confinement

The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied allegations that it has kept the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in solitary confinement. Kanu, who faces a seven-count charge of terrorism and treasonable felony brought by the Federal Government, has been in DSS custody since 2021.

During the resumed hearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja, a DSS operative, identified only as PW-BBB for security reasons, testified before the court. Under cross-examination by Kanu’s legal team, led by former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Kanu Agabi, SAN, the operative rejected claims of solitary confinement, stating it is not a practice of the DSS. The witness described his role as an investigator and said he was not Kanu’s handler.

Agabi raised concerns about the legality of Kanu’s detention, describing it as “cruel and inhuman treatment.” The DSS operative responded that he could not speak on Kanu’s psychological state, as it was outside his investigative duties. He also stated he was not involved in drafting the charges against Kanu and could not recall details about amendments to the charge.

The court admitted into evidence a medical report and the death certificate of Ahmed Gulak, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, who was allegedly murdered in Imo State in May 2021. The prosecution linked Gulak’s death to a broadcast by Kanu ordering followers to enforce a sit-at-home directive.

The prosecution also submitted a police report connecting gunmen suspected to be IPOB members to Gulak’s death. However, Kanu’s lawyers challenged the credibility of a video showing his interrogation by DSS, questioning its completeness. The DSS witness maintained the video presented was a full recording and a standard procedure.

The hearing was paused after Kanu’s lawyer requested more documents from the police, which he argued were necessary for the defense. The prosecution opposed the adjournment, accusing the defense of deliberately delaying the trial, which has stretched over ten years due to multiple defense applications. Despite this, the trial judge, Justice James Omotoso, granted the adjournment in the interest of justice.

Justice Omotoso also addressed claims that DSS had barred Kanu’s lawyers from visiting him. Agabi denied this, explaining he had arrived earlier than the scheduled time. The court reprimanded a defense team member, Aloy Ejimakor, for posting unverified accusations against the DSS on social media and cautioned all lawyers to verify information before making public statements.

The trial was adjourned to May 21 for continuation.