Abuja, June 24, 2024 – The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, has dismissed the N1 billion fundamental human rights lawsuit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Federal Government.
Kanu had filed the lawsuit, identified as FHC/CS/1633/2023, against the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Department of State Services (DSS), claiming damages for alleged violations of his rights. He asserted that his right to a fair hearing was breached by the DSS and its Director General, who purportedly hindered his legal team’s access to him during his detention, affecting his preparation for his criminal defense.
In his judgment, Justice Omotosho stated that Kanu did not provide substantial evidence to support his claims. Specifically, the court found no credible proof that Kanu’s interactions with his legal team were obstructed, that he was denied unrestricted access to his lawyers, or that DSS officials eavesdropped on his conversations, thereby infringing on his right to a fair hearing.
The court’s ruling emphasized the need for concrete evidence when alleging such significant breaches of fundamental rights, ultimately concluding that Kanu’s claims could not be upheld based on the presented evidence.
