Court Dismisses Nnamdi Kanu’s ₦1 Billion Suit Against Federal Government and DSS
On Monday, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a ₦1 billion lawsuit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Federal Government and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Justice James Omotosho ruled that Kanu failed to provide credible evidence supporting his claims of rights violations by the DSS. Kanu alleged that the DSS had denied him unhindered access to his lawyers and had eavesdropped on his confidential conversations with them, but the court found these claims unsubstantiated.
Kanu’s lawsuit, filed through his lawyer Aloy Ejimakor, sought eight reliefs, including declarations that the DSS’s actions constituted a denial of his rights to legal defense and professional consultations. He also sought an order to restrain the DSS from seizing and photocopying legal documents and a demand for ₦1 billion in damages for mental and emotional distress.
In response, the DSS, represented by Legal Department staff Yamuje Benye, denied all allegations. Benye stated that Kanu was in safe and secure custody and had regular, unhindered access to his family and legal team. He also refuted claims of confiscating documents or eavesdropping on conversations, emphasizing that visits were conducted under supervision in line with best practices.
The court concurred with the DSS and the Federal Government’s arguments, dismissing Kanu’s suit as an abuse of the judicial process.
