By Agbaje Oyale, Abuja
The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied the allegations that it denies the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, of his fundamental human rights.
DSS spokesman, Dr Peter Afunanya, said a briefing on Tuesday in Abuja that the service did not in any way maltreat Kanu who is in its custody.
He said while they would not have responded to the claims, the allegations of maltreatment negate the DSS’ Standard Operation Procedure on the implementation of rights of a suspect.
Afunanya said Kanu enjoys full luxury in the holding facility incomparable to any of its type anywhere in the country.
He added that the IPOB leader has always been accorded full rights and privileges, stressing that he was never denied his right of worship or freedom from his select religious practice.
The DSS spokesman stated that adequate attention was paid to Kanu’s health with unhindered access to the best medical care and doctors, saying the suspect also confirmed to his visitors that the service has never maltreated him.
According to him, Kanu confirmed its position to Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Bishop Sunday Onuoha of the Methodist Church, Nigeria, as well as the Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ambassador Okechukwu Emuchay, who visited him on Wednesday last week.
Afunanya also described the claim of Kanu being starved as untrue, saying he has always been served with the meals of his choice and regularly allowed change of clothing.
He was reacting to the suit instituted by Kanu against the DSS and the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, over the alleged denial of his fundamental human rights.
Read the full text of the briefing by the DSS spokesman below: