The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has raised alarm over an alleged physical assault on its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, by a Department of State Services (DSS) operative.
The group claims the attack, which reportedly occurred on Friday, was part of a broader conspiracy to eliminate Kanu while in detention.
In a statement released late Saturday night and shared by Uchechi Okwu-Kanu, the wife of the detained IPOB leader, the group alleged that a newly assigned DSS officer stormed into Kanu’s cell at the secret police headquarters in Abuja and physically attacked him.
According to the statement, the officer allegedly kicked and beat Kanu during a heated altercation, until other DSS personnel intervened and forcefully dragged their colleague out of the cell. IPOB claimed the assault was not a random act but a premeditated attempt on Kanu’s life, disguised as a “minor misunderstanding.”
“Information reaching IPOB leadership this night is that one of the new DSS agents assigned to MNK attacked him in the DSS headquarters with the intention to kill Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” the statement read.
“The situation led other DSS officers to physically drag their fellow officer out of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s cell as he was seen kicking him.”
IPOB condemned the alleged assault in strong terms, describing it as an act of provocation and a violation of human rights, warning that the group would not stand idly by should any harm befall its leader.
The group also demanded an immediate investigation and disciplinary action against the operative involved, insisting that the DSS must guarantee Kanu’s safety and medical well-being while in custody.
“The action of this DSS officer is unacceptable,” the group warned. “He must face the consequences of his actions, and the DSS must make sure that nothing happens to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in their custody — unless they are ready for another confrontation with IPOB worldwide.”
The latest development comes amid mounting concern over Kanu’s prolonged detention and deteriorating health. His legal team and family have repeatedly accused the Nigerian government of flouting court orders and subjecting him to inhumane conditions.
Kanu has been held by the DSS since his re-arrest and extradition from Kenya in 2021, facing multiple charges, including terrorism and treasonable felony—allegations he has consistently denied.
The IPOB leader’s continued detention remains one of Nigeria’s most polarizing political and human rights issues, sparking calls from local and international organizations for his release or fair trial.
As of press time, the DSS has not issued an official response to the allegations.
