The family of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, yesterday, alleged that the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) were harassing physicians who provided him with independent medical care.

The family also expressed concern over what it described as threats to Kanu’s life, alleged medical neglect and the harassment of his independent medical team, calling for urgent intervention by relevant authorities.

In a statement issued by Prince Emmanuel Kanu on behalf of the Okwu-Kanu Family, the family alleged that Kanu’s health was seriously mismanaged while he was in DSS custody, claiming that his condition only improved after an independent medical team led by Emeritus Professor, Martin Aghaji, was granted access to him.

Kanu also claimed that following the intervention by the independent medical team, the IPOB leader’s potassium level improved from 2.1 mmol/L to 2.9 mmol/L. At the same time, episodes of nosebleeds, fainting, light-headedness, swollen feet, and persistent headaches decreased significantly.

The family alleged that the DSS petitioned the MDCN against Prof. Aghaji over medication adjustments the independent medical team considered medically necessary.

Kanu said: “There should be immediate cessation of all harassment, intimidation and legal persecution of Prof. Martin Aghaji, Dr Charles Ndukwu, and every member of Kanu’s independent medical team.

“Withdrawal of the MDCN summons issued to Dr Charles Ndukwu and suspension of all proceedings against Prof. Aghaji. A full and transparent investigation into the alleged falsification of medical records during DSS custody.

“An official explanation from the DSS regarding the abduction and detention of Prof. Aghaji, which the family alleges occurred without legal authority and after Kanu had left DSS custody.

“A public statement from the MDCN affirming that no doctor shall be penalised for providing independent, evidence-based medical care to any patient, regardless of custodial status. Unrestricted and private access for Kanu to his chosen physicians under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

“Immediate assumption by the Nigerian Correctional Service of full legal responsibility for his healthcare in accordance with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019 and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Mandela Rules).”

He added that copi
es of its petition had been forwarded to the governments of the United States, the United Kingdom and Israel, as well as relevant Nigerian institutions and international human rights organisations.

Meanwhile, Kanu urged the association to intervene, insisting that his life remained in danger and accusing authorities of continuing to harass his independent medical team.

In the petition, Kanu alleged that he suffered systematic medical neglect while in DSS custody, claiming that his medical records were falsified by state-appointed doctors, and complained that his earlier petition to the NMA dated September 29, 2025, had received no response.