By: Sunday Ameh
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has raised alarm over an alleged attack on its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, by a Department of State Services (DSS) operative, claiming the act was part of a plot to assassinate him in custody.
In a statement released on Saturday and shared by Kanu’s wife, Uchechi Okwu-Kanu, IPOB alleged that one of the new DSS agents recently assigned to Kanu physically assaulted him inside the DSS headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
According to the group, the situation escalated to the point that other DSS officers had to intervene and forcibly drag their colleague out of Kanu’s cell after he was allegedly seen kicking and attacking the IPOB leader.
“Information reaching IPOB leadership this night is that one of the new DSS agents assigned to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu attacked him in the DSS headquarters with the intention to kill him,” the statement read in part. “The situation led other DSS officers to physically drag their fellow officer out of Kanu’s cell as he was seen kicking him.”
IPOB described the incident as part of a broader plot to eliminate Kanu under the guise of a misunderstanding between him and DSS personnel.
The group condemned the alleged assault, warning that it would not tolerate any harm done to its leader, and demanded that the DSS ensure his safety and well-being while in their custody.
“The action of this DSS officer is unacceptable,” the statement continued. “The DSS must make sure nothing happens to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in their custody, unless they are ready for another confrontation with IPOB worldwide.”
The development has heightened tension among Kanu’s supporters, as the IPOB leader continues to face terrorism-related charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu has been in DSS custody since his re-arrest and extradition in 2021, following his previous jump of bail in 2017. IPOB has repeatedly accused Nigerian authorities of mistreating him and violating his human rights — allegations the DSS has consistently denied.
As of press time, the DSS had not issued an official statement responding to the latest claims by IPOB.
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