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Again, HURIWA faults DSS for denying Nnamdi Kanu access to lawyers

By Ernest Nzor, Abuja
04 March 2022   |   3:31 am
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has faulted the Department of State Services (DSS) for poor handling of detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra ...

Nnamdi Kanu

Seeks end to violence, killings in South East

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has faulted the Department of State Services (DSS) for poor handling of detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu’s case by continuously denying him access to his lawyers, contrary to court orders.

It urged the DSS to de-escalate the tension in South East region, by adhering strictly to the rules of engagement and respect decisions of the court since the judicial powers of the Federation was domiciled with the judiciary in line with section 6 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

A statement issued by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, in Abuja, said the actions of the secret police against Kanu showed gross disregard for the judiciary on the part of the DSS.

Besides, HURIWA appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to release Kanu and set up a proper mechanism for negotiation and dialogue on ways to restore peace, security and stability in the South East region.

It said posterity will appreciate President Buhari if he acts as a true statesman and patriot by unconditionally granting pardon to all political detainees including members and the leaders of IPOB and Yoruba Nation agitators now before political parties hold their primary in April.

It noted that one of Kanu’s lawyers, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, said the DSS had barred Kanu’s lawyers, led by Chief Mike Ozekhome, from meeting him in custody within two weeks.

Ejiofor said on Monday that all efforts by the lawyers to meet Kanu were resisted, as the secret police “insisted that our request was contrary to their procedures and guidelines.”

HURIWA wondered whether the lawyers or the DSS operatives were the ones acting in contravention of the order of Justice Binta Nyako of a Federal High Court in Abuja that Kanu should be allowed access to his lawyers on Mondays and Thursdays.

Onwubiko, who condemned the lawlessness and highhandedness of the DSS since the abduction of Kanu from Kenya in June 2021, therefore, corrborated Ejiofor that appropriate legal action should be taken to seek redress in court for its violations of court orders.

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