The Department of State Services (DSS) has faulted the allegations that it has denied the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, of his fundamental human rights.
DSS spokesman, Dr Peter Afunanya, told reporters at a
briefing on Tuesday in Abuja that the service did not in any way maltreat Kanu
who is in its custody.
While stated that 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.
Kanu, according to Afunanya, 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.