The Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has requested to be moved from the Department of State Services (DSS) custody to Kuje Prison. 

Kanu stated that there is a plot for him to perish in the DSS custody in a statement to the Court on Tuesday, 19 March 2024, shortly after he was denied bail.

He told the Court that the DSS facility is not properly equipped to care for him, adding that he has congestive heart disease.

The IPOB leader undressed in front of the judge in the courtroom, exposing his ribs and chest, as proof of the care he is getting while in DSS custody. 

“People will come to see me, but they won’t let them in. There’s no medical facility there. Congestive heart failure affects me. They are patching me up.” 

“My foot is swollen. I asked them to conduct surgery, and they said they couldn’t. There is a conspiracy to die in detention. I want to be transferred to Kuje prison”,  he stated. 

However, Justice Binta Nyako said that Kuje was out of the picture and that she would keep Kanu where she saw appropriate. She pointed out that, recent history demonstrates, suspects frequently manage to escape from Kuje Prison. 

Kanu, who was distressed, stated that he could not continue with his trial without receiving the necessary medical treatment.

The Federal Government charged Kanu with terrorism following his extradition in June 2020. Eight of the fifteen counts in the case were dismissed by Nyako in April 2022. The Court of Appeal invalidated the seven counts on October 13, 2022, and the Judge ordered Kanu’s release.

However, after the Federal Government filed an appeal at the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal granted a stay of execution of its judgment, dismissing Kanu on October 28, 2022.

On December 15, 2023, a five-member panel of the highest court overturned the decision of the Appeal Court and mandated that Kanu’s trial be reopened before the Federal High Court.

On February 26, 2024, Aloy Ejimakor, one of Kanu’s legal counsel, moved a new bail motion, claiming that the IPOB leader’s health rapidly declined.

Ejimakor continued, saying that while under the DSS care, his client is unable to sufficiently prepare for his defense. He said that DSS agents “eavesdrop” on private talks that take place between Kanu and his legal advisers.

Nonetheless, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), the prosecution’s lawyer, objected to the bail request. He implored the Court to grant the application’s dismissal and schedule an expedited hearing.

Awomolo stated that Kanu is receiving appropriate care from the DSS and that the IPOB leader had not demonstrated to the court that he would not jump bail.

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