BY EDMOND ODOK – Faced with concerns over the alleged poor treatment of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) in detention, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja has ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to ensure the defendant has a change of clothing at the next court sitting.
The IPoB leader’s new lead counsel, Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), had on Tuesday drawn the Court’s attention to the ill-treatment being meted to his client in the Secret police’s custody.
Ozekhome, who came to Court alongside Ifeanyi Ejiofor, one of Kanu’s leading counsel, had claimed the IPoB leader was still being kept in solitary confinement, adding that the DSS was also subjecting other inmates who greeted or tried relating with him to the same harsh treatment.
He pointed out this was contrary to an order by Justice Nyako for the DSS to allow Kanu to practice his faith, have his bath, change his clothes and eat properly.
Responding to Ozekhome’s observation and plea, Justice Nyako reiterated her earlier order that the DSS allows the detained IPoB leader some level of comfort, even as she reminded the defence counsel that a detention facility is not a ‘five-star hotel.’
She however added; “I don’t want to see him in these clothes again. This one is almost off-white. Also, make sure that you allow him to exercise.”
Meanwhile, the planned re-arraignment of the detained IPoB leader on an amended terrorism charge was stalled with the Court adjourning to Wednesday, January 19, 2022, for the continuation of proceedings.
This came on the heels of the amended charges filed against Kanu by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), which scaled up the number of counts from seven (7) to 15.
Also, there was heavier security presence at the court premises than previous sittings with vehicular and human traffic completely diverted from the Court and adjoining streets as armed hooded DSS and police operatives manned strategic locations, promptly turning people away from the Court premises.
Among those that had difficulties accessing the courtroom despite being accredited to cover the day’s proceedings were journalists and lawyers.
