The High Court in Abuja has rejected the human rights lawsuit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Nigerian government.
Kanu had sought ₦1 billion in damages from the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Department of State Service (DSS), alleging violations of his rights.
He claimed that the DSS and its Director General infringed upon his right to a fair hearing by restricting his lawyers’ access to him during his detention, thereby impeding his defense preparation for his criminal trial.
However, Justice James Omotosho, in his ruling on Monday, stated that Kanu failed to provide sufficient evidence to substantiate his allegations.
Specifically, there was insufficient proof that his interactions with his legal representatives were obstructed, that he was denied unrestricted lawyer access, or that DSS officials listened in on his conversations with his lawyers, which could have compromised his right to a fair trial.
