By our reporter
Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, has sent a formal complaint to the Nigerian Medical Association, accusing the Department of State Services of medical neglect, falsifying test results, and putting his health at serious risk while he remains in detention.
In the letter titled Formal Letter of Complaint and Appeal, Kanu said his health had worsened while in custody due to poor medical attention. He claimed that injuries and conditions he suffered during his arrest and transfer from Kenya in 2021 have not been properly treated. He also said some medical tests were tampered with, and that the medical staff assigned to him by the DSS were not qualified to manage his complex health issues.
He accused the DSS of trying to control medical reports and suppress findings that show the true state of his health. According to Kanu, some independent doctors were pressured to alter their reports or were prevented from offering further care. He specifically mentioned Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji, who he said helped him during a health crisis but was later stopped from continuing treatment.
In the petition, Kanu asked the Nigerian Medical Association to launch an independent investigation into the alleged falsification of medical records. He also requested that the association release the full report of the medical team that visited him on September 22, protect doctors who are not connected to the DSS, and take urgent steps to make sure he receives proper medical care. He warned that some of his symptoms, including persistent tinnitus and sleep deprivation, are affecting his overall health and could become life threatening.
This complaint comes shortly after a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja. The court ordered the Nigerian Medical Association to form a panel of medical experts to examine Kanu and determine whether the DSS is capable of managing his health. The court also asked the panel to consider moving him to the National Hospital in Abuja if necessary, and to submit a report within eight days.
Following the order, a seven-member team was reportedly formed by the NMA and visited Kanu in custody. However, the findings of their visit have not yet been made public. Kanu’s legal team has expressed concern over the delay and warned that further neglect could cause irreversible harm to his health.
While some government officials have praised the DSS for handling Kanu’s medical needs, his legal team strongly disagrees. A federal lawmaker, Obi Aguocha, recently said the DSS and the Attorney General provided timely medical support and had moved Kanu to a secure medical facility. Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, dismissed those claims and asked why blood samples were sent abroad if his condition was not serious. He also questioned why the test results have not been shared with the court or legal team.
The legal team said the DSS is trying to downplay the severity of Kanu’s condition by withholding key information and controlling the narrative. They insist that unless urgent action is taken, Kanu’s health could get much worse.
As public interest in the case continues to grow, attention is now focused on the Nigerian Medical Association and the report from its expert panel. The outcome could determine whether Kanu remains in DSS custody or is transferred to a hospital for proper treatment.
Human rights groups and legal observers are urging the Nigerian government to ensure transparency, follow due process, and provide the necessary medical care to any detainee, regardless of their legal or political status.
