The family of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has expressed concern that the Department of State Services (DSS) is deliberately frustrating his legal defense ahead of his next court appearance scheduled for Friday, November 7, 2025. The family warned that this alleged obstruction may prevent Kanu from appearing in court, not by choice but due to what they describe as systematic denial of his right to a fair hearing.
Body:
In a statement released on Thursday night by Prince Emmanuel Kanu on behalf of the family, the IPOB leader’s relatives accused the DSS of preventing Nnamdi Kanu from preparing adequately for his defence in the ongoing trial. According to them, the security agency has made it “almost impossible” for him to have meaningful access to his lawyers, family members, and witnesses essential to his case.
“The Department of State Services is deliberately stopping him from preparing his defence in court,” the statement read. “In the last few days, the DSS has made it nearly impossible for Mazi Kanu to access his legal team, family members, and key witnesses. They have also refused to allow him to file necessary court documents for his case, which comes up on Friday, November 7, 2025.”
The family alleged that the DSS has been blocking all avenues for Kanu to exercise his legal rights. They outlined a series of actions they claim have hindered his defence, including the restriction of visitors, surveillance during meetings with lawyers, and denial of access to basic materials required for legal preparations.
Details of the Allegations:
According to the family’s statement, the DSS has:
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Prevented Kanu’s lawyers and family from visiting him freely.
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Recorded his confidential meetings with his legal representatives.
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Refused him access to a computer and printer necessary for filing court documents.
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Blocked him from submitting critical legal papers at the court registry.
“These actions,” the family said, “are in clear violation of the Nigerian Constitution and the fundamental principles of justice and fair hearing. Every accused person has the right to facilities that allow them to prepare their defence adequately and to communicate privately with their lawyers. By denying Mazi Kanu these rights, the DSS is trampling on the rule of law.”
The family described the situation as “unjust, unlawful, and deliberate,” alleging that the DSS and the Nigerian government are trying to weaken Kanu’s ability to defend himself in court. “What the DSS is doing is unfair and intentional. They are making it difficult for him to defend himself so that the case can be decided against him,” the statement added.
Call for International Intervention:
The family called on the international community to intervene and hold the Nigerian government accountable for what they described as ongoing human rights violations. They specifically appealed to the United Nations, African Union, European Union, the Commonwealth, and global human rights organizations to take note of Kanu’s situation.
“We are issuing this warning now before they start peddling propaganda that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is disrespectful to the court by refusing to appear,” the statement read. “If he fails to appear in court, the DSS and the Nigerian Government should be held responsible. The world must not remain silent while the rights of an accused person are being trampled upon.”
DSS Yet to Respond:
Efforts to obtain comments from the Department of State Services were unsuccessful, as personnel at the DSS office in Abia reportedly declined to speak on the matter.
Conclusion:
As Nnamdi Kanu’s next court date approaches, tension continues to mount among his supporters and family members who insist that he is being unfairly treated. Whether or not the IPOB leader will be present in court on Friday remains uncertain, but the allegations against the DSS have once again raised questions about Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law and fair judicial processes.