DSS denies solitary confinement allegations as Nnamdi Kanu’s trial continues

The Department of State Services (DSS) has refuted claims that Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is being held in solitary confinement.

Kanu, who is facing a seven-count charge including terrorism and treasonable felony, has been in DSS custody since 2021. His detention has drawn significant national and international attention, with concerns frequently raised about his welfare and legal rights.

During the latest proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, a DSS operative—whose identity was withheld for security reasons—resumed testimony as a prosecution witness in the ongoing trial.

Under cross-examination by Kanu’s lead counsel, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, the witness, referred to as PW-BBB, maintained: “Solitary confinement is not a practice of the DSS.”

Agabi had raised concerns over the duration and conditions of Kanu’s detention, alleging that the IPOB leader had been kept in isolation. Responding, the operative clarified that while he was part of the investigation, he is not directly responsible for handling Kanu. He said, “I am merely an investigator,” adding that he could not speak to Kanu’s psychological condition as it falls outside his duties.

Agabi pressed further, describing the continued detention as “cruel and inhuman treatment.” The witness reiterated that he was not involved in preparing the charges and could not recall the number of times they had been amended. He also declined to comment on whether the current charges were “speculative,” stating that his role was limited to investigation.

In the course of proceedings, the court admitted a medical report and death certificate of a former presidential aide, Ahmed Gulak, into evidence. The prosecution claims Gulak was killed in Imo State on May 30, 2021, allegedly following a directive from Kanu instructing his followers to enforce a sit-at-home order.

Additional evidence tendered by the prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, included a police report linking Gulak’s death to suspected IPOB members.

However, Agabi challenged a video submitted by the DSS, arguing that it showed only Kanu and his legal team and questioned its completeness.

The witness stood by the footage, saying it reflected DSS standard procedures and was presented in full. When asked whether he wore a mask during the interrogation, the witness said he could not recall.

The hearing was paused after Agabi informed the court that key documents requested from the police had yet to be provided, prompting him to ask for an adjournment.

Awomolo opposed the request, accusing the defence of trying to delay the case. He noted the court had previously ordered accelerated hearing and revealed that five additional prosecution witnesses were prepared to testify.

Justice James Omotoso, in his ruling, granted the adjournment “in the interest of justice,” despite provisions for day-to-day trial in such matters.

Before adjourning, Justice Omotoso addressed reports that DSS officials had blocked Kanu’s lawyers from visiting him. Agabi clarified that he arrived earlier than the scheduled 2 p.m. appointment.

The judge criticized a social media post by another defence lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, which accused the DSS of denying access, cautioning against spreading unverified information and urging professionalism from all legal representatives.

The trial is scheduled to continue on May 21.