Federal Court Rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s N1 Billion Claim Against Nigerian Government
The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the N1 billion lawsuit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Nigerian Government and the Department of State Services (DSS).
In his ruling, Justice James Omotoso determined that Kanu did not provide sufficient evidence to support his claims that the DSS had bugged his conversations with his legal team or that they had been prevented from taking notes during their meetings.
The judge stated, “There is no evidence to suggest that the DSS interfered with Kanu’s right to a fair hearing or restricted his lawyers from properly preparing his defense.”
Kanu’s lawsuit, which was filed by his attorney, Aloy Ejimakor, sought one billion naira in damages for alleged violations of his fundamental rights while in detention. The suit, referenced as FHC/ABJ/CS/1633/2023, named the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), the DSS, and its Director-General as respondents.
Filed on December 4, 2023, the motion argued that the actions of the DSS in seizing and photocopying confidential legal documents and preventing his counsel from taking notes during consultations infringed upon Kanu’s right to legal representation. However, the court found these allegations to be unsubstantiated and dismissed the case on the grounds of insufficient evidence.
