Court orders DSS to allow Nnamdi Kanu change his clothes

• Trial adjourned to January 19

Justice Binta Nyako of Abuja Federal High Court has ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to allow Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to change his clothes.

The judge also adjourned the trial to January 19 (Wednesday).

At the court session on Tuesday, Mike Ozekhome, Kanu’s lead counsel, complained that his client is still being subjected to poor treatment in DSS custody.

He said Kanu was still being kept in solitary confinement and that any other detainee who greetee him was also kept in solitary confinement.

Shortly before adjourning the matter, Nyako reminded the defendant that a detention facility is not a five-star hotel.

However, she reiterated her previous order that the IPOB leader should be allowed the maximum comfort possible, including changing his Fendi outfit with which he was brought back into the country in June 2021.

“I don’t want to see him in these clothes again. This one is almost off-white. Also, make sure that you allow him to exercise,” Nyako said.

Meanwhile, Justice Nyako adjourned the trial after Ozekhome (SAN) sought time to enable him to study the amended 15-count charges filed by the prosecution on January 17, 2022.

Ozekhome argued that the defence was ambushed with the fresh charge by the prosecution.

He claimed that the proof of evidence served on the defence by the prosecution was not legible enough to enable them know what constitutes the fresh charge.

Lead prosecuting lawyer, Magaji Labaran, however, faulted the defence’s claim that the amended charge was an ambush.

Labaran also faulted the defence’s claim of Kanu not being properly fed, allowed to practise his religion and allowed free access to his family members.

Nyako had similarly in the past directed the DSS to allow the IPOB leader to have a bath whenever he wants to, change his clothes, eat properly and practice his faith.