In a statement issued on Thursday evening and signed by Prince Emmanuel Kanu, the family accused the DSS of deliberately obstructing Kanu’s right to a fair hearing by denying him access to his legal team, family members, and key witnesses.
According to the statement, the DSS has made it “almost impossible” for Kanu to adequately prepare for his defence.
“Over the past few days, the DSS has refused to grant Mazi Nnamdi Kanu proper access to his lawyers, family members, and key witnesses. The DSS has also denied him the opportunity to file necessary court documents for his hearing scheduled for Friday, November 7,” the family alleged.
They further stated that due to these obstructions, Kanu might not be able to appear in court—not because he refuses to, but because he has been denied the opportunity to prepare.
The family also accused the DSS of violating Kanu’s constitutional rights by recording his meetings with lawyers and family members instead of allowing private discussions as required by law.
“If Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is unable to appear in court or defend himself, the DSS and the Nigerian Government must be held responsible,” the statement said. “They are frustrating him, ignoring court orders, and trampling on his rights. We are sounding this warning now before they begin to spread propaganda that he disrespected the court.”
The family called on the United Nations, African Union, European Union, Commonwealth, and global human rights organisations to take note of the situation.
“The Nigerian Government cannot claim to uphold the rule of law while silencing a defendant and obstructing his right to a fair hearing,” the statement added.
