Mr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the lead lawyer to detained IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has disclosed that operatives of Nigeria's Department of State Service, DSS have denied his client his medication for four days.
Speaking on Monday, after his routine visit to the IPOB leader, Ejiofor said the action of the DSS contravenes the order of the Court which requires the agency to ensure that Kanu is given access to his medication regularly, according to a report by Sahara Reporters.
Ejiofor said, “The DSS has upgraded their psychological routine torture of Onyendu, as he narrated to me today. It is a fact and on record, that Onyendu has been denied medication for the past four days.
“This inhumane treatment and grievous mental torture, has consequently, triggered the excruciating pains associated with chronic ulcer and heartburn, which Onyendu has equally been diagnosed with, in addition to other life-threatening health conditions that Onyendu is currently battling with.
Nnamdi Kanu with his legal team.
“Today, 7th November 2022,(Monday) marked the 4th day that Onyendu is denied his routine medication, and despite several protestations by Onyendu, which, fell on the deaf ears of the lawless DSS, they have maintained a stone-hearted stance on not providing Onyendu with his requisite routine medication.”
Continued Detention
Speaking further on the continuing detention of Kanu despite the October 13 Court of Appeal decision which discharged and acquitted the IPOB leader of terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government, Ejiofor said, “We visited Onyendu today, 7th November 2022,( Monday) at the DSS headquarters, Abuja to specifically brief him on the status of the pending appeal before the Supreme Court, as well as bring to his noble attention that our legal team, eminently led by Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), has equally filed a Cross-Appeal, wherein we are inviting the Supreme Court to review certain aspects of the Court of Appeal judgment being appealed against.
“Onyendu was also informed that the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has ostensibly, abandoned their Appeal, as the time allowed for them to file their Appellant Brief is on the verge of elapsing, with no sign in sight that they are ready to take the bull by the horn.
"Other far-reaching strategies agreed upon to ensure that we give the FGN a hot chase for their incompetent Appeal will remain private.
“Be that as it may, the routine visit allowed me to carefully listen to Onyendu’s complaint about his deteriorating health condition.
“The DSS is now indirectly awaiting the unthinkable to happen to Onyendu, but God forbid!
“The World is hereby, reminded once again, that Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has since on the 13th day of October 2022, been legally discharged and acquitted of all frivolous and bogus allegations contained in the hitherto 7-Count amended charge framed against him by the FGN, and which smokescreen charge has equally been struck out by the Court of Appeal and laid to everlasting rest.
“What we find very disturbing and inconceivable to comprehend, is why the FGN has refused to obey Orders made by a Court of competent jurisdiction, which directed them to immediately release Onyendu.
Nnamdi Kanu.
“Rather, the FGN has openly treated the Court Orders with the greatest disdain and impunity.
“Our current demand to the DSS is simple; Onyendu should be allowed access to his physician, as was long ordered by the Federal High Court, Abuja.
“The lawless DSS has remained adamant and continued to unnecessarily subject Onyendu to inhumane/forbidden treatment, and this is unacceptable.
“We are likewise, placing the World on notice, that should anything untoward happen to Onyendu, the World should hold the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the Director General of the DSS fully responsible, should any harm befall Onyendu.
“Nevertheless, our formidable legal team, eminently led by an indefatigable legal icon - Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, has already swung into action to legally address this lawless and reprehensible conduct by the DSS, and be assured that no Court in Nigeria will sanction this obvious act of executive lawlessness and recklessness.
“Onyendu also seized the opportunity presented by the visit to express his profound gratitude to UmuChineke, for standing firm with him in this trying period.
“He is very delighted with your peaceful and exemplary conduct thus far. Onyendu continues to urge you all to remain focused, and law-abiding as you have always been, particularly now we are exiting the tunnel.
“Be assured that it shall surely end in Praises, UmuChineke, as the FGN has played their final card, which strategy is dead on arrival,” Ejiofor stated.
Politics and Opinion
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