A Federal High Court in Abuja has summoned Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), to answer for alleged contempt related to the detention of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
This judicial notice, issued by the court’s registrar on October 24, 2024, compels the DG to appear before the court and explain why he should not be committed to prison for his actions.
The court’s notice states, “And take further notice that you are hereby required to attend the court on the first mentioned day to show cause why an order for your committal should not be made.”
The summons is rooted in the DSS’s failure to comply with a court order allowing Kanu’s lawyers three-day visitation rights each week at the DSS facility in Abuja, intended to facilitate his defense preparations.
The court highlighted an incident on October 22, when Kanu’s legal team, led by Aloy Ejimakor, was denied access to their client, reportedly on the directive of the DG, despite existing orders from Justice Binta Nyako.
The latest court order has also been served on the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and the prosecution counsel for the federal government, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN).
Nnamdi Kanu faces seven counts of treasonable felony and had previously requested that Justice Binta Nyako recuse herself from his case on September 24.
However, the matter has since been reassigned to continue under her jurisdiction. The unfolding situation highlights ongoing tensions regarding legal rights and the treatment of detainees in Nigeria.
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