Nigerian Secret Police, DSS Denying Access To Nnamdi Kanu Ahead Of June 19 Trial – Legal Team Kicks
The legal team representing Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has accused Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) of obstructing their access to Kanu ahead of his upcoming trial on June 19 and 20. According to the team, the DSS’s refusal to allow them to meet collectively with Kanu violates court orders and aims to undermine the prospects of a fair trial.
In a statement issued by Aloy Ejimakor, Esq for the Legal Team, titled “As the hearing date draws near, the DSS continues to hinder Nnamdi Kanu’s right to fair trial,” it was highlighted that the DSS insisted the legal team meet with Kanu individually or leave their premises. This denial, despite court orders, was condemned as a deliberate attempt to complicate preparations for Kanu’s trial.
The legal team expressed dismay over the persistent disobedience of court directives by the DSS, characterizing it as a reflection of the government’s disregard for judicial processes essential for a fair trial. They criticized the Attorney General and Minister for Justice for pursuing a case while failing to comply with court orders designed to ensure a fair judicial process.
Highlighting the significance of fair trial principles enshrined in the constitution, the legal team warned of their firm opposition to any trial that deviates from these standards. They questioned the government’s motives behind blocking avenues for fair hearings, suggesting that such actions imply the lack of merit in the case against Kanu.
Concluding their statement, the legal team called on the government to discontinue the case if it fears the consequences of a fair trial for Kanu. They affirmed Kanu’s determination to resist any proceedings that do not uphold constitutional rights, asserting their readiness to defend his rights vigorously.
The standoff between Kanu’s legal team and the DSS underscores broader concerns about the rule of law and judicial independence in Nigeria, particularly in high-profile cases involving political figures and activists.
SaharaReporters
