Dare Babalola
The family of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has raised concerns that he may not appear in court on Friday due to alleged obstruction by the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to his family, the DSS has been preventing Kanu from preparing his defense, violating his right to a fair hearing.
In a statement signed by Prince Emmanuel Kanu on Thursday night, the family alleged that the DSS has refused to grant Kanu proper access to his lawyers, family members, and key witnesses.
Kanu’s family cautioned that his absence from Friday’s court hearing would not be voluntary, but a direct result of alleged obstruction by the DSS.
The statement said, “The family of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), wishes to inform the public and the international community that the Department of State Services (DSS) is deliberately stopping him from preparing his defence in court.
“In the last few days, the DSS has made it almost impossible for Mazi Kanu to have proper access to his lawyers, family members, and key witnesses. The DSS has also refused to allow him to file the court documents he needs for his case coming up on Friday, 7 November 2025.
“Because of these actions, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu may not be able to appear in court on Friday, not because he does not want to, but because he has been denied the chance to get ready and defend himself.”
Stating that the DSS is blocking Kanu’s right to a fair hearing, the statement added, “The DSS has been doing the following: 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. These actions are against the Nigerian Constitution and basic human rights. Every accused person has the right to facilities to help him prepare adequately and to interact freely with their lawyers, family, witnesses, prepare for court, and defend themselves — but the DSS is stopping Mazi Kanu from doing so.”
Stressing that the situation Kanu is facing does not amount to justice, the statement added, “What the DSS is doing is unfair, unlawful, and intentional. They are making it difficult for him to defend himself so that the case can be decided against him.
“If Mazi Nnamdi Kanu cannot appear in court or defend himself, the DSS and the Nigerian Government should be held responsible. They are frustrating him, ignoring court orders, and breaking his rights. We are issuing this warning now before they start peddling their propaganda that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is disrespectful to the court by declining to appear.”
The family urged the United Nations, African Union, European Union, Commonwealth, human rights groups, and all who believe in justice to pay close attention to the situation.
“The Nigerian Government cannot claim to follow the rule of law while silencing a defendant and blocking his right to a fair hearing,” the IPOB leader’s family added.
