The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a stern warning to the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, threatening to commit him to prison for contempt of court. The court's notice, dated October 18, 2024, comes after repeated instances of the DSS denying Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), access to his legal team.
The notice explicitly states that Ajayi will be guilty of contempt and liable to imprisonment if he continues to disobey the court order granting Kanu's lawyers access to him three days a week. This development follows Justice Binta Nyako's judgment on May 20, 2024, which adjusted the conditions of Kanu's visitation in DSS custody, making it easier for his legal team to consult with him.
Kanu's Special Counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the notice and emphasized that the DSS's actions have severely impeded their ability to prepare Kanu for his defense. He stated, "The DSS's actions are a blatant disregard for the rule of law and the court's authority. We have been patient and cooperative, but it seems the DSS is more interested in obstructing justice than upholding it."
The court's order had specified that Kanu should be provided with a secure and clean environment to prepare for his defense with his team of counsel, not exceeding five members. However, Kanu's legal team alleges that the DSS has not only denied them access but has also secretly recorded their conversations with Kanu.
"This is a clear violation of Kanu's fundamental rights and an attempt to undermine his defense," Ejimakor added. "We will not stand idly by while the DSS flouts the law and jeopardizes Kanu's chances of a fair trial."
The escalating situation raises broader concerns about the rule of law and the rights of detainees in Nigeria. As tensions mount, the international community is closely monitoring the outcome of this high-stakes standoff between the court and the DSS.
Kanu's prolonged detention has sparked widespread protests and calls for his release. Human rights organizations have criticized the Nigerian government for its handling of Kanu's case, raising concerns about due process and the treatment of detainees. The case has garnered international attention, with several watchdog groups calling for transparency and adherence to legal standards.
As the standoff continues, many are left wondering if the DSS will comply with the court's orders or if Ajayi will face the legal consequences of contempt. The outcome of this situation will have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s justice system and the rights of its citizens.
Ejimakor concluded, "This is a test of the Nigerian judiciary's independence and its resolve to uphold the law. We hope the court will take decisive action to ensure justice is served."
The coming days are crucial as the country watches to see how this legal battle unfolds, with implications for governance, human rights, and the role of the judiciary in upholding the rule of law.
