The family of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has sounded the alarm over his deteriorating health condition while in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Expressing urgent concerns, the family revealed that Kanu requires immediate attention from a cardiologist and pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to ensure he receives proper medical care to prevent any further health complications.
Kanu has been held in detention since 2021 following his extradition from Kenya. Despite his deteriorating health condition, his recent bail application was rejected by Justice Binta Nyako on Tuesday.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel, disclosed that they received distressing news about his critical health status and emphasized the urgent need for medical intervention to prevent a potential health crisis.
The statement read, “We were informed this morning that his health is severely deteriorating. He has been denied access to his personal doctors, and immediate attention from a cardiologist is essential. It is imperative that he receives proper medical care and is not left to perish in DSS custody.”
Furthermore, the family criticized the political leadership in the South-East for their failure to engage President Tinubu in securing Kanu’s release. They accused some individuals of benefiting from Kanu’s continued detention, alleging a deliberate neglect by political leaders to advocate for his freedom.
“Why haven’t any Igbo political leaders approached Tinubu to discuss Nnamdi Kanu’s release almost a year into his administration? Is this not intentional? Haven’t they been able to communicate with the President on other matters? It’s disheartening that Kanu is being punished for advocating for the freedom of the Igbo people, while leaders have turned a blind eye to his plight in DSS custody,” the family lamented.
