The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, faced a setback on Thursday as the Federal High Court in Abuja rejected his fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Department of State Services (DSS).
In a decisive judgment, Justice James Omotosho dismissed Kanu’s case, deeming it unmerited.
Kanu had accused the DSS of subjecting him to various inhumane treatments, including the denial of wearing his preferred Igbo attire, “Isi-Agu,” while under their custody or in court.
Acting on behalf of Kanu, his lawyer filed the lawsuit, naming the Director-General of DSS and the Attorney-General of the Federation as respondents.
In response, the DSS and its Director-General refuted Kanu’s allegations and urged the court to reject his claims.
They clarified that Kanu was treated fairly during his time in their custody, emphasizing that their facility is not a place for cultural celebrations or leisure activities.
Justice Omotosho, in his ruling, cited Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to human dignity.
He determined that Kanu’s case did not involve torture or forced labor, as there was no substantiated evidence of such treatment during his detention.
The judge further highlighted the lack of sufficient proof provided by Kanu, including the absence of names and photographs of other detainees allowed to wear different clothing while in custody.
Referring to Kanu’s allegations as a mere hypothesis without concrete evidence, Justice Omotosho dismissed the case.
