Prominent Nigerian lawyer, Maxwell Opara, has shared fresh details about the condition of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), revealing that Kanu allegedly suffered physical assault at the hands of operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Opara made the disclosure in a video that surfaced online, offering a rare glimpse into the current state of the separatist leader, who has remained in DSS custody despite multiple court rulings ordering his release.
The revelation comes amid renewed public outcry and protests calling for Kanu’s unconditional freedom.
The protests, led by human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, drew national attention as demonstrators demanded adherence to judicial orders and respect for human rights.
Sowore himself was briefly detained by the police during the protest but was later released after mounting pressure from civil rights organizations and the public.
In the video, Opara recounted his recent visit to the DSS facility where Kanu is being held. He explained that during the meeting, Kanu narrated how he was allegedly assaulted by security operatives within the detention centre.
“I went to see Nnamdi Kanu on Saturday, and he told me how he was attacked by DSS operatives,” Opara stated.
The lawyer, visibly disturbed by Kanu’s account, condemned the alleged incident, describing it as another violation of the IPOB leader’s fundamental rights.
Opara, known for his advocacy in high-profile human rights cases, criticized the continued detention of Kanu despite court pronouncements granting him bail.
He stressed that such defiance of judicial orders undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system and erodes public trust in law enforcement institutions.
“The persistent disobedience of court orders by security agencies is a dangerous precedent,” he warned. “If the government can ignore the courts in such a high-profile case, it sends a message that the rule of law is negotiable.”
Human rights organizations and pro-democracy groups have continued to call on the federal government to release Kanu in compliance with existing court rulings. Many have also urged international bodies to intervene, citing concerns over Kanu’s health and safety in custody.
Meanwhile, the DSS has yet to issue an official response to the latest allegations. However, sources close to the case suggest that Kanu’s legal team is preparing to file fresh motions to address his alleged maltreatment and prolonged detention.
Nnamdi Kanu, who faces charges bordering on treasonable felony and terrorism, has been in detention since his arrest and extradition to Nigeria in 2021.
His continued incarceration remains a subject of intense legal and political debate, as supporters insist that his case has become a litmus test for Nigeria’s commitment to justice and democratic principles.
Opara’s account adds a new dimension to the ongoing controversy, highlighting the deepening tensions between the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and advocates of civil liberties in the country.
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