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•Family says DSS obstruction may force IPOB leader’s absence
From Godwin Tsa, Abuja, and Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has fixed November 20 for judgment in the alleged terrorism charge against Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Justice James Omotosho fixed the date for judgment after Kanu’s defence was foreclosed following his insistence that he would not enter his defence under a repealed law.
“This court has given opportunity to the defendant under Section 36 as required by the constitution, and I will not allow this to continue,” Justice Omotosho said.
“It is based on this, without hesitation, that I say that the defendant has waived his right,” Justice Omotosho said.
But Kanu’s family has alleged that obstructive actions by the Department of State Services (DSS), were aimed at deliberately stopping him from preparing his defence in court.
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In a release signed by Prince Emmanuel Kanu, the family alleged that in the last few days, the DSS had made it almost impossible for Kanu to have proper access to his lawyers, family members, and key witnesses.
The family also alleged that the DSS had equally refused to allow the IPOB leader to file the court documents he needed for his case.
It accused the DSS of “stopping his visitors, including family members, lawyers and recording his meetings with lawyers and 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.”
The family described the DSS action as unfair, unlawful, and intentional, stressing that they were making it difficult for Kanu to defend himself so that the case could be decided against him.
