The House of Representatives member representing Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and South Federal Constituency, Obi Aguocha, met with Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, despite a blockade imposed by the Department of State Services
. The meeting took place on Thursday, at the DSS facility in Abuja.
Kanu had previously challenged Justice Binta Nyako of an Abuja Federal High Court to recuse herself from his trial, citing a lack of confidence in her ability to fairly oversee the proceedings.
Following this, the DSS restricted Kanu’s access to his legal team, a situation highlighted by his lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, according to Daily Post.
During their meeting, Aguocha informed Kanu about the ongoing circumstances surrounding his legal situation.
A statement from Aguocha’s media office indicated that a resolution was reached to grant Kanu access to his legal representatives.
The statement detailed that Kanu’s legal team had reached out to Aguocha regarding difficulties in accessing their client.
In response, Aguocha contacted the DSS and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, seeking immediate intervention.
The DSS clarified that the blockage to Kanu’s access was due to the ongoing legal process related to Kanu’s request for the judge’s recusal.
Aguocha also met with Kanu in the presence of a family member, Ms. Ezioma Stella Ikpo, to brief him on the situation.
The statement further confirmed that Kanu is in good health and has received necessary medical attention, including access to a doctor of his choice.
Aguocha commended the DSS’s new leadership for addressing Kanu’s healthcare needs and facilitating access for his legal team.
Aguocha expressed optimism that a political solution could be reached, potentially leading to Kanu’s release. He underscored the importance of upholding Kanu’s fundamental human rights as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and international agreements.
The statement reads: “A few days ago, the lawyers of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu reached out to his Honourable member, Obi Aguocha, representing Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South federal constituency. This was in relation to the long-running difficulties being encountered by the legal team in their efforts to gain access and meet with their client.
“Hon. Obi Aguocha took urgent steps in writing to the Department of State Security, DSS, and Dr Tajudeen Abbas [GCON], Honourable Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, seeking their immediate intervention.
“A meeting of the aforementioned was positive to the effect that Hon. Obi Aguocha, having inquired from the DSS, who informed that the seeming pause to accessing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was occasioned by his lawyers asking the judge to recuse herself, which requires further legal process and is also known to both parties. Additionally, Hon. Obi Aguocha had a physical audience with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on Thursday, 24th of October 2024, in the company of an immediate family member, namely Ms. Ezioma Stella Ikpo. Hon. Obi Aguocha fully briefed Mazi Nnamdi Kanu about the circumstances during their meeting.
“Furthermore, a resolution was reached regarding the lack of access to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by his legal team, who hereby are granted the requisite access to their client.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is keeping well and looks strong. Hon. Aguocha appreciates the commendable efforts of the new leadership of the DSS in ensuring that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s healthcare needs are met, including the approval of his request for access and attention to private medical care and to a doctor of his choice, to which Hon. Obi Aguocha is pleased to confirm that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has received private medical attention as recently as the 3rd of October, 2024.
“Hon. Obi Aguocha deeply appreciates the uncommon and courageous effort of the Honourable Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives for his quick intervention, which has facilitated these positive outcomes.
“It should be noted that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s fundamental human rights as guaranteed under the 1999 Nigerian constitution as amended and other relevant instruments of the United Nations should be upheld.
“Hon. Obi Aguocha is cognizant of the concerns of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s legal team and appreciates their professionalism in this matter.”
