A Federal High Court in Abuja has set July 20 as the date for the judgment in a suit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Department of State Services (DSS). Kanu is seeking an order to allow him unrestricted access to his medical doctor.
The court date was fixed after extensive arguments were presented by Kanu’s legal counsel, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, and the lawyer representing the DSS, A.M. Danlami. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/ 2341/2022, seeks permission for Kanu to apply for an order of mandamus compelling the DSS to grant him access to his trusted medical doctor.
Nnamdi Kanu’s legal team argued that the DSS had disregarded the earlier order issued by Justice Nyako, thus infringing upon Kanu’s rights as guaranteed by Section 7 of the Anti-Torture Act. They presented detailed medical reports documenting Kanu’s health condition and history.
Nnamdi Kanu
Their request for an independent doctor to attend to Kanu in the presence of security operatives aims to ensure transparency and fairness. Ozekhome emphasized the importance of protecting Kanu’s well-being during the trial, stating that the defendant should not have to face legal proceedings while dealing with health concerns.
He expressed concerns about the potential consequences of denying Kanu proper medical attention and warned of possible unrest and public outcry. On the other hand, Danlami, representing the DSS, urged the court to dismiss Kanu’s plea for lack of jurisdiction.
He presented counter-affidavits and exhibits, including evidence suggesting that Kanu was physically and clinically sound. He argued that the suit should be dismissed in the interest of justice and national interest.
The judge adjourned the matter until July 20 for the judgment, which will determine whether Kanu will be granted unhindered access to his medical doctor.
(Source: vanguardngr.com)
