SSS Denies Manhandling, Harassing Kanu’s Lawyers

The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied allegations
that its operatives harassed and manhandled lawyers of the leader
of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr Nnamdi Kanu, during a
visit to their client.

Kanu’s Lead Counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, on Tuesday for the second
time, alleged the harassment of their lawyers during a visit to
their client in the custody of the DSS.

Ejiofor, who made the allegation in a statement posted on his
Facebook page, said the lawyers were “practically stripped naked”
during the visit which was on Monday.

He had earlier alleged they were subjected to the same treatment
during another visit last Thursday.

Responding to the allegation, the Public Relations Officer of
the Service, Dr Peter Afunanya, said in a message, “Not true,
please.”

However, Ejiofor said they were apprehensive that no trial will
commence in the circumstance until their client is transferred to
the Correctional centre from DSS custody.

Ejiofor’s post on Tuesday reads: “Our Client – Onyendu Mazi
Nnamdi Kanu was visited yesterday and in his usual practice, he
extended his compliments to his millions of supporters. He is
indeed eternally grateful for the overwhelming support and show of
solidarity.

“It is pertinent to note that the harassment, intimidation, and
manhandling of our lawyers by the DSS officials during the visit
still continued despite our protest last week.

“Lawyers were ‘practically stripped naked’ while searching for
incriminating materials during a court-ordered visit.

“We therefore, do not mince words in stating that it is no
longer safe as it stands today for us who are visiting our
Client.

“This hostile treatment is becoming exceedingly intolerable and
unacceptable in the prevailing circumstance.

“We are now more apprehensive of the fact that no trial will
commence in the circumstance we presently find ourselves until our
Client – Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is transferred to the Correctional
center.

“He cannot be tried for a one-way stereotyped conviction in the
manner the Federal Government is presently pursuing this. To deny
us, his lawyers writing materials and for the visits to be
conducted under the atmosphere of fear and intimidation is highly
unacceptable and condemnable.

“The script currently being played is a clear demonstration of
the Federal Government strategy to deny him fair trial, and we
cannot accept it, under no circumstance. We understand the game and
the dancing pattern.

“I want you all to be reminded that the present development is a
direct consequence of your prayers well answered.

“We crave for more prayers, and urge you all to continue to
remain law abiding and peaceful in the conduct of your affairs. Be
assured that with truth and God on our side, we will win the battle
in court overwhelmingly.

“We shall continue to keep you posted as the event unfolds, but
be assured that we will have reasons to rejoice in no distance
time, Umuchineke. Thank you all and remain blessed.”

The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied allegations
that its operatives harassed and manhandled lawyers of the leader
of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr Nnamdi Kanu, during a
visit to their client.

Kanu’s Lead Counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, on Tuesday for the second
time, alleged the harassment of their lawyers during a visit to
their client in the custody of the DSS.

Ejiofor, who made the allegation in a statement posted on his
Facebook page, said the lawyers were “practically stripped naked”
during the visit which was on Monday.

He had earlier alleged they were subjected to the same treatment
during another visit last Thursday.

Responding to the allegation, the Public Relations Officer of
the Service, Dr Peter Afunanya, said in a message, “Not true,
please.”

However, Ejiofor said they were apprehensive that no trial will
commence in the circumstance until their client is transferred to
the Correctional centre from DSS custody.

Ejiofor’s post on Tuesday reads: “Our Client – Onyendu Mazi
Nnamdi Kanu was visited yesterday and in his usual practice, he
extended his compliments to his millions of supporters. He is
indeed eternally grateful for the overwhelming support and show of
solidarity.

“It is pertinent to note that the harassment, intimidation, and
manhandling of our lawyers by the DSS officials during the visit
still continued despite our protest last week.

“Lawyers were ‘practically stripped naked’ while searching for
incriminating materials during a court-ordered visit.

“We therefore, do not mince words in stating that it is no
longer safe as it stands today for us who are visiting our
Client.

“This hostile treatment is becoming exceedingly intolerable and
unacceptable in the prevailing circumstance.

“We are now more apprehensive of the fact that no trial will
commence in the circumstance we presently find ourselves until our
Client – Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is transferred to the Correctional
center.

“He cannot be tried for a one-way stereotyped conviction in the
manner the Federal Government is presently pursuing this. To deny
us, his lawyers writing materials and for the visits to be
conducted under the atmosphere of fear and intimidation is highly
unacceptable and condemnable.

“The script currently being played is a clear demonstration of
the Federal Government strategy to deny him fair trial, and we
cannot accept it, under no circumstance. We understand the game and
the dancing pattern.

“I want you all to be reminded that the present development is a
direct consequence of your prayers well answered.

“We crave for more prayers, and urge you all to continue to
remain law abiding and peaceful in the conduct of your affairs. Be
assured that with truth and God on our side, we will win the battle
in court overwhelmingly.

“We shall continue to keep you posted as the event unfolds, but
be assured that we will have reasons to rejoice in no distance
time, Umuchineke. Thank you all and remain blessed.”