The family of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has sounded the alarm, expressing concern that their son is gravely ill while in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). They have emphasized the urgent need for him to receive medical attention from a cardiologist and have pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to intervene to prevent any tragic outcome during his detention.
Kanu, who has been held in custody since 2021 following his extradition from Kenya, has reportedly been in deteriorating health. His younger brother, Emmanuel, revealed that they received distressing news about Kanu’s condition and stressed the critical importance of immediate medical intervention to prevent a potential health crisis.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Emmanuel Kanu emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the lack of access to Kanu’s personal doctors and the pressing need for specialized medical care. The family’s plea resonates with fears that Kanu’s health could deteriorate further if appropriate medical attention is not provided promptly.
Furthermore, the family has criticized political elites in the South-East for their perceived inaction in advocating for Kanu’s release. They allege that certain individuals are benefiting from Kanu’s prolonged incarceration, leading to a lack of concerted efforts by regional political leaders to engage with the President on securing Kanu’s freedom.
The family’s appeal underscores the humanitarian aspect of Kanu’s detention, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing his health and well-being. As concerns mount over Kanu’s health condition, pressure is mounting on authorities to ensure that he receives the necessary medical care and that efforts are made to address the broader issues surrounding his detention.
The statement partly read, “We got information this morning that he is critically down. He has not been granted access to his personal doctors, and he urgently needs a cardiologist. He should not be allowed to die in DSS custody.”
The family had earlier berated the political elites in the South-East over their failure to intercede with the President to help secure the release of their son.
They alleged that some people were benefiting from his continued incarceration, hence the apparent apathy on the part of the political elite to engage the President in his release.
“It’s a shame that Kanu is being punished for asking for the freedom of Ndigbo, and the leaders have abandoned him to die in DSS custody,” the family said