A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Department of State Services (DSS).
Justice James Omotosho, in a judgment delivered on Thursday, held that Kanu’s suit lacked merit and ought to be dismissed.
Kanu had sued the DSS, its director-general, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, alleging that he was being subjected to inhuman treatment by the security agency.
He specifically accused the DSS of denying him the right to wear any clothes of his choice, including the Igbo traditional attire called “Isi-Agu.”
Kanu also alleged that the DSS had tortured him and breached his right to dignity.
However, the DSS denied the allegations, saying that Kanu was being treated in accordance with the standard operating procedure for persons in its custody.
The DSS also said that Kanu had been allowed to wear any plain clothing of his choice but that he had refused to do so.
They accused Kanu’s family of bringing traditional attires and clothing with Biafra insignias for him to wear in custody and attend court for his trial.
In his judgment, Justice Omotosho said that Kanu had failed to provide evidence to support his allegations of torture or inhuman treatment.
The judge also said that Kanu’s right to dignity did not include the right to wear any clothes of his choice while in detention.
As a result, Justice Omotosho dismissed Kanu’s suit for lacking merit.
The IPOB leader, Kanu, has been in detention since his arrest in 2021.