Counsels to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, said they were “practically stripped naked” by officials of the Department of State Service during their visit to the IPOB leader.
Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the lead counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, lamented that the dehumanization of the lawyers continued during Monday’s visit.
Ejiofor had last Thursday lamented that DSS officials forced Kanu’s lawyers to wear slippers, adding that they were treated like hardened criminals on visits to their client who is in detention.
He narrated how the lawyers were maltreated again in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
Nigerian officials have said that Kanu was brought back after he allegedly jumped bail and went on the run in 2017.
His family and lawyers say he was illegally arrested in June while in Kenya, tortured, and flown back to Nigeria.
The lawyer said, “Our Client – Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was visited yesterday and in his usual practice, he extended his compliments to his millions of supporters. He is indeed eternally grateful for the overwhelming support and show of solidarity.
“It is pertinent to note that the harassment, intimidation, and manhandling of our lawyers by the DSS officials during the visit still continued, despite our protest last week. Lawyers were ‘practically stripped naked’ while searching for incriminating materials during a court-ordered visit.
“We, therefore, do not mince words in stating that it is no longer safe as it stands today for us who are visiting our client. This hostile treatment is becoming exceedingly intolerable and unacceptable in the prevailing circumstance.
“We are now more apprehensive of the fact that no trial will commence in the circumstance we presently find ourselves until our Client – Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is transferred to the Correctional center.
“He can not be tried for a one-way stereotyped conviction in the manner the Federal Government is presently pursuing this. To deny us, his lawyers writing materials and for the visits to be conducted under the atmosphere of fear and intimidation is highly unacceptable and condemnable.
“The script currently being played is a clear demonstration of the Federal Government strategy to deny him a fair trial, and we cannot accept it, under no circumstance. We understand the game and the dancing pattern.
“I want you all to be reminded that the present development is a direct consequence of your prayers well answered.
“We crave for more prayers and urge you all to continue to remain law-abiding and peaceful in the conduct of your affairs. Be assured that with truth and God on our side, we will win the battle in court overwhelmingly.
“We shall continue to keep you posted as the event unfolds, but be assured that we will have reasons to rejoice in no distance time, Umuchineke,” he said.