Nnamdi Kanu: Family Indicts DSS, Says Why He May Not Obey Trial Judge

By Gideon Njoku

Nnamdi Kanu, detained Leader of the Indigenous Peoples Of Biafra, IPOB, may likely not appear in Court today (Friday November 7) says his family.

If that happens, he would have lost his final chance to open his defence, and his fate could be decided based on the presentation of the prosecution  only.

Trial Judge, the Honourable Justice James Omotosho, had given him till Friday to open his defence, an order Kanu has continued to reject, insisting that he knew no law in Nigeria he had broken and so, has no case to answer.

Omotosho had asked him to open  his defence after ruling that Kanu has a case to answer.

In response, Kanu disengaged his legal team and opted to defend himself. But he has failed to open up defence after he initially listed a high profile number of witnesses who included Governor Hope Uzodinma, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, former Abia Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, and more.

Days later, he made an about-turn and said he was no longer opening any defence as he had no case to answer.

At the last sitting, Omotosho gave him till Friday to open his defence or he would lose the opportunity of doing so.

But on Thursday night, Kanu’s family issued a statement wherein members said their embattled son may likely not appear in Court and so, would open no defence.

The family put the blame on the Department of State Services (DSS), which it alleged “is deliberately stopping him from preparing his defence in court.”

In the statement signed by Prince Emmanuel Kanu on behalf of others, Kanu’s family drew the attention of the international community to the situation and asked it to urge Nigeria to stop the alleged violation of Kanu’s right to fair hearing.

The statement reads: “The family of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), wishes to inform the public and the international community that the Department of State Services (DSS) is deliberately stopping him from preparing his defence in court.

“In the last few days, the DSS has made it almost impossible for Mazi Kanu to have proper access to his lawyers, family members, and key witnesses. The DSS has also refused to allow him to file the court documents he needs for his case, which is scheduled for Friday, 7 November 2025.

“Due to these actions, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu may not be able to appear in court on Friday, not because he does not want to, but because he has been denied the opportunity to prepare and defend himself.

“How DSS is blocking his fair hearing:

“The DSS has been doing the following:

• “Stopping his visitors, including family members, lawyers, and recording his meetings with lawyers & family, instead of allowing private and free discussion as required by law.

• “Refusing to give him access to a computer and printer necessary for the preparation of his processes and blocking him from filing his own court papers.

• “Declining to take him to the court registry to submit the documents he intends to use for his defence.

“These actions are in violation of the Nigerian Constitution and basic human rights. Every accused person has the right to facilities to help him prepare adequately and to interact freely with their lawyers, family, witnesses, prepare for court, and defend themselves — but the DSS is stopping Mazi Kanu from doing so.

“This Is Not Justice. What the DSS is doing is unfair, unlawful, and intentional. They are making it difficult for him to defend himself so that the case can be decided against him.

“If Mazi Nnamdi Kanu cannot appear in court or defend himself, the DSS and the Nigerian Government should be held responsible. They are frustrating him by ignoring court orders and violating his rights.

“We are issuing this warning now before they start peddling their propaganda that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is disrespectful to the court by declining to appear.

“We Call on the World to Take Note!

“We urge the following organisations:

The United Nations, the African Union, the European Union, the Commonwealth,

Human rights groups and all people who believe in justice to pay close attention to what is happening.

“The Nigerian Government cannot claim to follow the rule of law while silencing a defendant and blocking his right to a fair hearing.”

The DSS has not responded to the allegation.