Court Announces Date To Hear Nnamdi Kanu’s N1bn Suit Against FG, DSS

• The Federal High Court in Abuja sets April 18 for hearing on Nnamdi Kanu’s N1 billion lawsuit against the Federal Government
• Kanu’s counsel requested an adjournment to respond to a counter affidavit filed by the DSS, leading to the adjournment

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled April 18 for the hearing of a N1 billion lawsuit brought by Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Federal Government and the Department of State Services (DSS).

Justice James Omotosho fixed the date after Kanu’s counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, expressed interest in responding to a counter affidavit jointly filed by the DSS and its Director-General.

During the hearing, Gbenga Oladimeji, representing the Federal Government, informed the court that they had yet to file their response due to a recent notification, despite being served since March 6. He requested an adjournment to provide a suitable response.

However, Abdul Danlami, the DSS lawyer, stated that they had already filed their counter affidavit opposing Kanu’s plea.

Ejimakor then requested an adjournment to file a further affidavit in response to new issues raised by the DSS. Consequently, Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until April 18 to adopt processes.

NAN reports that Kanu, through his lawyer Ejimakor, filed the suit to enforce his fundamental rights while in detention. Among other reliefs, Kanu sought a declaration regarding the alleged infringement of his rights during his detention by the DSS.

In response, the DSS denied the allegations through a counter affidavit. According to Yamuje Benye, a Legal Department staff, Kanu is in safe custody, not solitary confinement. Benye refuted claims of seizure or confiscation of documents brought to Kanu by his lawyers, arguing that Kanu is allowed access to family members and legal counsel during visits.

Benye emphasized that the suit constitutes an abuse of court process, as similar issues were raised before Justice Binta Nyako, who presides over Kanu’s criminal trial, and the matter is pending judgment.