In a recent meeting, Obi Aguocha, a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, successfully met with Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility in Abuja. This meeting, held on October 24, 2024, came after the DSS imposed a restriction that prevented Kanu from accessing his legal counsel.

Kanu has been challenging his trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, asking her to step down from his case due to concerns about her impartiality. In response to his court actions, the DSS had blocked Kanu from meeting with his lawyers, a situation highlighted by his lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor.

During their meeting, Aguocha informed Kanu about the current circumstances and emphasized the importance of allowing him to communicate with his legal team. The discussion led to a resolution that restored Kanu’s access to his lawyers.

The statement reads: “A few days ago, the lawyers of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu reached out to his Honourable member, Obi Aguocha, representing Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South federal constituency. This was in relation to the long-running difficulties being encountered by the legal team in their efforts to gain access and meet with their client.

“Hon. Obi Aguocha took urgent steps in writing to the Department of State Security, DSS, and Dr Tajudeen Abbas [GCON], Honourable Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, seeking their immediate intervention.

“A meeting of the aforementioned was positive to the effect that Hon. Obi Aguocha, having inquired from the DSS, who informed that the seeming pause to accessing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was occasioned by his lawyers asking the judge to recuse herself, which requires further legal process and is also known to both parties. Additionally, Hon. Obi Aguocha had a physical audience with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on Thursday, 24th of October 2024, in the company of an immediate family member, namely Ms. Ezioma Stella Ikpo. Hon. Obi Aguocha fully briefed Mazi Nnamdi Kanu about the circumstances during their meeting.

“Furthermore, a resolution was reached regarding the lack of access to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by his legal team, who hereby are granted the requisite access to their client.

“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is keeping well and looks strong. Hon. Aguocha appreciates the commendable efforts of the new leadership of the DSS in ensuring that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s healthcare needs are met, including the approval of his request for access and attention to private medical care and to a doctor of his choice, to which Hon. Obi Aguocha is pleased to confirm that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has received private medical attention as recently as the 3rd of October, 2024.

“Hon. Obi Aguocha deeply appreciates the uncommon and courageous effort of the Honourable Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives for his quick intervention, which has facilitated these positive outcomes.

“It should be noted that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s fundamental human rights as guaranteed under the 1999 Nigerian constitution as amended and other relevant instruments of the United Nations should be upheld.

“Hon. Obi Aguocha is cognizant of the concerns of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s legal team and appreciates their professionalism in this matter.”

Aguocha expressed hope that this development could pave the way for a political solution that might lead to Kanu’s eventual release. This meeting marks a crucial step in Kanu’s ongoing legal battle, providing a glimmer of hope for his supporters and family as they seek justice and resolution.