Counsels to the
leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, said they were
“practically stripped naked” by officials of the Department of State Service
during their visit to the IPOB leader.
Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the lead counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, lamented that the
dehumanisation of the lawyers continued during Monday’s visit.
Ejiofor had last Thursday lamented that DSS officials forced Kanu’s
lawyers to wear slippers, adding that they were treated like hardened criminals
on visits to their client who is in detention.
He narrated how the lawyers were maltreated again in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
Nigerian officials have said that Kanu was brought back after he allegedly
jumped bail and went on the run in 2017.
His family and lawyers say he was illegally arrested in June while in
Kenya, tortured, and flown back to Nigeria.
The lawyer said, “Our Client – Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was visited
yesterday and in his usual practice, he extended his compliments to his
millions of supporters. He is indeed eternally grateful for the overwhelming
support and show of solidarity.
“It is pertinent to note that the harassment, intimidation, and
manhandling of our lawyers by the DSS officials during the visit still
continued, despite our protest last week. Lawyers were ‘practically stripped
naked’ while searching for incriminating materials during a court-ordered
visit.
“We, therefore, do not mince words in stating that it is no longer safe as
it stands today for us who are visiting our client. This hostile treatment is
becoming exceedingly intolerable and unacceptable in the prevailing circumstance.
“We are
now more apprehensive of the fact that no trial will commence in the
circumstance we presently find ourselves until our Client – Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is
transferred to the Correctional center.
“He can
not be tried for a one-way stereotyped conviction in the manner the Federal
Government is presently pursuing this. To deny us, his lawyers writing
materials and for the visits to be conducted under the atmosphere of fear and
intimidation is highly unacceptable and condemnable.
“The
script currently being played is a clear demonstration of the Federal
Government strategy to deny him a fair trial, and we cannot accept it, under no
circumstance. We understand the game and the dancing pattern.
“I want
you all to be reminded that the present development is a direct consequence of
your prayers well answered.
“We crave
for more prayers and urge you all to continue to remain law-abiding and
peaceful in the conduct of your affairs. Be assured that with truth and God on
our side, we will win the battle in court overwhelmingly.
“We shall
continue to keep you posted as the event unfolds, but be assured that we will
have reasons to rejoice in no distance time, Umuchineke,” he said.
(The
PUNCH)
