Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the fundamental human rights lawsuit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Federal Government.
Kanu had sought N1 billion in damages, alleging that the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Department of State Services (DSS) violated his rights. The suit, marked FHC/CS/1633/2023, claimed that the DSS and its Director General impeded Kanu’s right to a fair hearing by restricting his lawyers’ access to him during his detention, thus affecting his defense preparation for his criminal trial.
However, Justice Omotosho, delivering the judgment on Monday, ruled that Kanu failed to provide credible evidence supporting his claims. The judge stated that there was no proof that Kanu was denied unhindered access to his lawyers or that DSS officials had eavesdropped on his conversations with his legal team, which would have breached his right to a fair hearing.
The court’s decision underscores the requirement for substantial evidence when alleging violations of fundamental rights in legal proceedings.
