The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Friday dismissed an appeal filed by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, challenging alleged violations of his fundamental rights by the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
A three-member panel held that the appeal had “no practical value” following Kanu’s conviction and life sentence delivered by the Federal High Court on November 20.
In the lead judgment, Justice Boloukuromo Ugo said the issues raised — including alleged denial of medical care, violation of dignity, and breach of religious rights — could no longer be considered since Kanu had been moved from DSS custody to a correctional facility.
Kanu’s lawyer, Maxwell Opara, confirmed that the IPOB leader is now held at the Sokoto Correctional Centre. Justice Ugo noted that the development rendered Kanu’s request for transfer to Kuje prison and his complaints about DSS treatment academic.
The court also observed that Kanu had previously expressed preference for prison custody, making his prayers overtaken by events.
The dismissed appeal had challenged a July 3, 2023 ruling by former Federal High Court judge, Justice Taiwo Taiwo, who held that Kanu failed to substantiate his claims of torture, religious restrictions, and poor medical care.
In the original suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1585/2021, Kanu alleged deteriorating health and claimed that the DSS provided unqualified medical personnel. But DSS counsel, Idowu Awo, argued that no evidence was presented to validate the claim. The AGF’s lawyer, Simon Enoch, also urged the court to dismiss the case.
Justice Taiwo held that detainees may practise their religion as long as it does not disturb others, and noted that Kanu had not called any medical expert to support allegations of inadequate care.
With Friday’s ruling, the Court of Appeal affirmed the Federal High Court’s decision and formally closed the rights violation case.
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