The family of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has voiced grave concerns over his deteriorating health while in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). Amidst growing fears for his well-being, the family has urgently appealed for medical intervention, particularly from a cardiologist, to address Kanu’s critical condition.
Kanu, who has been in custody since 2021 following his rendition to Nigeria from Kenya, has faced mounting health challenges, prompting his family to seek urgent medical attention on his behalf. Despite efforts to secure his release on bail, Justice Binta Nyako declined his application earlier this week, exacerbating concerns about his health and welfare.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel, revealed distressing updates about his brother’s health, emphasizing the urgent need for medical intervention. The family implored President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure that Kanu receives the necessary medical care to prevent a further deterioration of his health while in DSS custody.
“We got information this morning that he is critically down. He has not been granted access to his personal doctors, and he urgently needs a cardiologist. He should not be allowed to die in DSS custody,” the statement read.
Expressing frustration over the lack of advocacy from political leaders in the South-East, the family criticized the apparent indifference towards Kanu’s plight. They questioned why no efforts had been made to engage President Tinubu in securing Kanu’s release, alleging that certain individuals were benefiting from his prolonged incarceration.
“How is it that nobody among Igbo political leaders has reached out to Tinubu to discuss Nnamdi Kanu’s release almost a year after he came to power? Is it not deliberate? Have they not been gaining access to the President concerning other issues?” the family lamented.