Counsel for the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), Ifeanyi Ejiofor has raised concern over alleged denial of adequate medical attention to his client and leader of the ogroup, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
In a letter dated 30 January, the lawyer said that the Department of State Services (DSS) has no adequate medical facilities to treat Kanu’s worsening health condition or care for his left eardrum which was badly affected following his ordeal in the hands of his captors.
He wrote: “Today’s visit to our indefatigable client – Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu- at the DSS detention facility, Abuja, where he is still being unconstitutionally held, was led by our erudite Lead Counsel – Mike Ozekhome, SAN, CON, OFR.
“Our indefatigable lead counsel seized the opportunity offered by the visit to discuss the present health condition of Onyendu (Kanu). Onyendu carefully narrated to him the non-provision of proper medical care to the barrage of life-threatening illnesses he is faced with.
“Of very particular concern is the fact that the DSS have no adequate medical facilities to treat Onyendu’s deteriorating health condition.
“Onyendu seriously lamented about severe pains, particularly in his left ear. He also recounted that a previous scan at the instance of the SSS revealed that he must undergo an advanced surgical procedure to repair his left ear drum which had become greatly impaired by the severe torture and beating he received from agents of the Federal Government when he was forcibly kidnapped in Kenya and savagely renditioned back to Nigeria in June 2021.
“Generally, Onyendu needs urgent advanced medical treatment and surgical operation to address his deteriorating health condition, especially on his left ear.
“He narrated how the DSS doctor had emphatically told him that if after 45 days from 18 November 2022, when he was examined, his case had not improved, then he must undergo immediate surgery to save whatever remains of his left ear.
“He lamented that several reminders and pleas that the DSS carried out their own medical doctor’s instructions have met a brick wall.
“Being held in solitary confinement, the DSS has also bluntly refused him access to his private doctor for independent medical assessment as ordered by the court”.
Also, Ifeanyi stated that the leader of the legal team, Ozekhome has expedited actions against any eventuality.
“Our legal Iroko, Ozekhome painstakingly took comprehensive notes of Onyendu’s medical concerns and has immediately swung into action with full legal initiatives to forestall any untoward eventualities”.
“The man of letters spent quality time in his briefing with Onyendu, as he updated Onyendu on the current status of our appeal before the Supreme Court which the Federal Government is deliberately stalling.”
Furthermore, the letter disclosed that the suit compelling the DSS and its Director General, to allow Kanu access to his medical team and records is billed for this week before the Federal High Court, Abuja.
