Tension is building ahead of Nnamdi Kanu’s terrorism trial, as reports suggest that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) may have created conditions that could prevent the IPOB leader from appearing in court on Friday.
Through a message signed by Prince Emmanuel Kanu, the family accused the DSS of deliberately frustrating Nnamdi Kanu’s preparation for trial, alleging that the agency has persistently denied him access to his lawyers, relatives, and key witnesses.
The family of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of deliberately obstructing his efforts to prepare for his court defence. They cautioned that if Kanu fails to appear in court, it is not his voluntary decision but the result of the DSS’s continued interference.
In recent days, the DSS has reportedly made it nearly impossible for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to meet with his lawyers, family members, or key witnesses. The agency has also allegedly blocked him from filing essential court documents needed for his upcoming hearing on Friday, November 7, 2025.
As a result, there are fears that Kanu may be unable to appear in court—not by choice, but because he has been deliberately denied the opportunity to prepare and defend himself.
Alleging that the DSS is violating Kanu’s right to a fair hearing, the family noted that the agency has been blocking his visitors—including relatives and lawyers—and secretly recording his meetings with them instead of allowing the private and confidential discussions guaranteed by law.
The DSS has denied Mazi Kanu access to a computer and printer essential for preparing his court processes and has blocked him from filing his own court documents. They have also refused to take him to the court registry to submit the materials he intends to use for his defence.
These actions violate the Nigerian Constitution and fundamental human rights. Every accused person is entitled to the necessary facilities to prepare adequately, communicate freely with their lawyers, family, and witnesses, and defend themselves in court—but the DSS is deliberately preventing Mazi Kanu from exercising these rights.
Emphasizing that Mazi Kanu’s situation falls far short of justice, the statement noted, “The actions of the DSS are deliberate, unlawful, and unjust. They are deliberately obstructing his ability to defend himself, seemingly to ensure that the case is ruled against him.”
The family of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has warned that if he is unable to appear in court or defend himself, the responsibility lies squarely with the DSS and the Nigerian Government. “They are deliberately obstructing him, disregarding court orders, and violating his rights. We issue this warning now, ahead of any attempts to portray Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as disrespectful to the court for not appearing,” the statement said.
The family called on the United Nations, African Union, European Union, Commonwealth, human rights organizations, and all defenders of justice to closely monitor the situation. “The Nigerian Government cannot claim to uphold the rule of law while preventing a defendant from exercising his right to a fair hearing,” they added.