IPOB leader Kanu sues DSS for alleged rights violation

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has taken the Department of State Service (DSS) to a Federal High Court, Abuja for alleged violation of his fundamental rights.

In the fresh suit filed by one of his lawyers, Maxwell Okpara, he is seeking enforcement of his fundamental human rights.

Joined as respondents in the matter are: Director-General of the DSS, the DSS and Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1585/21.

The suit was instituted with a supporting affidavit deposed to by the IPOB leader’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu.

Okpara, who spoke at a media briefing in Abuja, yesterday, expressed concern that despite an order of the court at the last trial that Kanu be allowed to change his clothes and practice his religion, the DSS flouted the order.

He said when he visited the DSS detention facility recently, the IPOB leader complained that a particular doctor who appeared like a quack had been attending to him, adding that the service had severally turned down his request to access his medical record or attend to his health.

“The applicant is a Nigerian citizen, who is entitled to enjoy the fundamental rights enshrined in chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution as amended and Article 5 and 8 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act Cap A9 Vol. 1 LFN.

“The respondents have deprived the applicant access to facility and material to practice his faith and prevented him from praying and practicing his faith, which constitutes a breach of the applicant’s right to religious freedom,” he said.