In a significant development, the Department of State Services (DSS) has granted permission for the personal doctor of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to visit and examine him in custody.
Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s Special Counsel, disclosed this information, marking a breakthrough in a long-standing effort to secure medical attention for Kanu.
Ejimakor expressed the challenges faced in achieving this milestone, stating, “The jinx is finally broken. Today, a very competent doctor, personally chosen by Onyendu #MNK, met and examined him. It wasn’t easy, counting from last year when this should’ve happened.”
He further emphasized the unwavering commitment of Kanu’s legal team, affirming, “The indomitable #MnkLegalTeam also met with MNK today. It’s tough but we must not relent.”
This development follows past criticism from Ejimakor regarding the DSS’s reluctance to grant Kanu access to an independent medical practitioner.
During his last court appearance, Kanu had raised concerns about his health, citing congestive cancer, and lamented the lack of seriousness from the DSS in addressing his condition.
Meanwhile, Ejimakor also took aim at the Nigerian army for its recent release of over 300 Boko Haram suspects. He criticized the paradoxical nature of detaining an individual advocating for a sovereign state while freeing terrorists.
Referring to the army’s action, he remarked, “It’s an oxymoron for the Army to declare someone wanted for seeking a separate State and turn around to free HUNDREDS of terrorists, all in the same week.”
This juxtaposition highlights what Ejimakor sees as a glaring injustice contributing to Kanu’s continued detention.
As legal proceedings unfold, the spotlight remains on efforts to ensure Kanu’s access to necessary medical care and the broader implications for justice and human rights in Nigeria.