The Department of State Services (DSS) has said contrary to insinuations in certain quarters, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu is not being maltreated in custody.
Specifically, the DSS noted that the accusations by IPOB negate the service standard operation procedure on the Implementation of rights of a suspect.
Briefing newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja, the Public Relations Officer of the Department of State Services (DSS), Dr. Peter Afunanya said Nnamdi Kanu enjoys full luxury in the holding facility incomparable to any of its type anywhere in the country.
“He is accorded full rights and privileges. He is never denied his right of worship or freedom from his select religious practice” he said.
The DSS also urged the media, to inform the public to be mindful of groups and individuals that are desirous of causing a breakdown of law and order in the country.
“The media should be wary of efforts designed from within and outside the shores of the country to misdirect or use them to undermine public order”.
The Service however warned that it would not “hesitate to deal, in accordance with the law, with those who may wish to test its resolve in ensuring internal security and national stability before, during and after the yuletide”.
“For those that wish to, they must note that nemesis and the long hands of the law will definitely catch up with them. For emphasis, no one, no matter how highly placed, will be allowed to take laws into his or her hands” DSS said.
On Kanu Nnamdi, Afunanya said adequate attention is paid to Kanu’s health, adding that he has unhindered access to the best medical care and doctors.
“Kanu, himself, has confirmed to his visitors that the Service has never, in any way, maltreated him. He even confirmed this to the quartet of Senators Ike Ekweremadu and Enyinnaya Abaribe; Bishop Sunday Onuoha of the Methodist Church, Nigeria and Co-Chair, Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace and Ambassador Okechukwu Emuchay, MFR, Secretary-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, who saw him on Wednesday, 8th December, 2021”.
Continuing, Afunanya stated that “the story of Kanu being starved is fallacious. He could not have been starved as he enjoys meals of his choice. That he is not allowed change of clothing is also false.
“He is regularly allowed change of clothing as against what is presented to the public by IPOB propagandists. Assuming he is being maltreated, how come his visitors told him he was looking well? All the allegations of violation of his rights as a suspect, victimization and starvation among others are not true” he said.
The DSS bemoaned that “it is unfortunate that some elements have decided to use outright misinformation to represent the state of affairs. Those who make these false stories do so to attract undue attention for the singular purpose of achieving a desired end”.
He observed that rather than focus on how he should get justice, Kanu’s legal team and some mischievous elements among them have chosen to use fake news to mislead the public.
He added that while the Court in its wisdom ordered that Kanu be remanded in the safer DSS Custody, some of his legal representatives, for reasons best known to them, preferred Kuje Prison and have failed to explain the rationale for such choice.
Afunanya revealed that a particular lawyer among Kanu’s team is feasting on the matter such that one can conclude that his interest is beyond getting justice for his client. “Be that as it may, the Court has the final say on the matter” Afunanya added.
He reminded the media of its duty in national security, saying as influencers, media practitioners are called upon to use their platforms to pursue peaceful coexistence.
“They must commit themselves to the unity of the country and shun misinformation, fake news, hate speech and such other misleading narratives. Journalists, while discharging their constitutional roles, are enjoined to be objective, conflict-sensitive and patriotic in their reportage”.
Additionally, the DSS urged religious and community leaders, hoteliers and operators of markets, parks, recreational and relaxation centres to be at alert and watch strange movements and activities around their facilities during the Yuletide.
