DSS Speaks On Claim It Kept IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu in Solitary Confinement Over Alleged Terrorism

• DSS has denied holding IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu in solitary confinement, with a witness testifying that solitary confinement was not a DSS practice
• During his trial, the court admitted evidence linking IPOB to the killing of former aide Ahmed Gulak, including a medical report and police findings
• The trial was subsequently adjourned amid legal tussles, which saw the defence requesting documents

The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied claims that it kept Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in solitary confinement.

Kanu, who is facing seven counts of terrorism and treasonable felony, has been in DSS custody since 2021.

Kanu: DSS operative refutes solitary confinement allegation

At the resumed hearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja, a DSS witness, identified only as PW-BBB, testified under cross-examination by Kanu’s legal team led by former Attorney-General Kanu Agabi, SAN, Leadership reported.

The operative insisted that “solitary confinement is not a practice of the DSS,” directly refuting allegations raised by Kanu’s lawyers.

The witness admitted to being an investigator but denied involvement in Kanu’s handling or charge drafting.

During the court session, Agabi expressed concerns over Kanu’s prolonged detention, describing it as “cruel and inhuman treatment.”

Court admits evidence linking IPOB to violence

The court admitted a medical report and death certificate of former presidential aide Ahmed Gulak, alleged by the prosecution to have been murdered after Kanu ordered a sit-at-home directive, Vanguard reported.

A police report from Owerri, Imo state, linking the killing to suspected IPOB members, was also tendered.

Kanu’s legal team had challenged the credibility of video evidence depicting his DSS interrogation, arguing that only Kanu and his team were visible. The witness defended the footage as standard DSS procedure.

Nnamdi Kanu: Trial proceedings and legal tussles

The trial was adjourned after Kanu’s lawyer requested documents from the police, which the prosecution opposed, accusing the defence of delaying tactics. The prosecution indicated readiness with five more witnesses.

Justice James Omotoso granted the adjournment in the interest of justice but reprimanded a defence lawyer for unprofessional social media posts accusing DSS of barring access to Kanu.

In a related statement, concerns were raised about derogatory comments made against the Igbo ethnic group by a public figure, emphasising the need for political leaders to condemn insults and protect ethnic harmony.

"Nnamdi Kanu didn't admit to inciting violence"

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Nnamdi Kanu's family denied the report that the embattled leader of the proscribed IPOB admitted to inciting the public against the police and other security personnel.

Prince Emmanuel Kanu, speaking on behalf of the family, described the claim as a misrepresentation of what transpired at the hearing on Tuesday, April 6, 2025.

According to Kanu's family, certain news outlets are misrepresenting the court proceedings with misleading headlines that do not reflect the reality.

Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng