Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the fundamental human rights suit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Federal Government.
Kanu had sought N1 billion in damages, alleging that his rights were violated by the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Department of State Services (DSS).
In the suit, marked FHC/CS/1633/2023, Kanu claimed the DSS and its Director-General had prevented his lawyers from having unhindered interactions with him while he was in detention, which impeded his ability to prepare for his defense in his ongoing criminal trial.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Omotosho stated that Kanu failed to provide credible evidence to support his claims.
The judge ruled that there was no substantial proof that Kanu’s interactions with his lawyers were interfered with, that he was denied unhindered access to his legal team, or that DSS officials eavesdropped on his conversations with his lawyers, which would constitute a breach of his right to a fair hearing.