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HURIWA Knocks DSS For ‘Banning’ Lawyers, Others From Reaching Nnamdi Kanu

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Civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria(HURIWA), on Tuesday, lambasted the Department of State Services, DSS, for allegedly denying Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, access to his lawyers, “contrary to court orders.”

HURIWA, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the actions of the secret police against the detained Biafra agitator, if verified, represents the highest manifestation of lawlessness and blatant disregard to the judiciary by the DSS.

According to media reports, DSS on Monday and last Thursday, barred Kanu’s lawyers from meeting him in custody.

Special counsel for the IPOB leader, Aloy Ejimakor, said the secret police prevented them from meeting Kanu, an act Ejimakor said was in contravention of the order of Justice Binta Nyako of a Federal High Court in Abuja that Kanu has access to his lawyers twice a week – Mondays and Thursdays.

Ejimakor said, “Last Thursday, we were not allowed visitation with Onyendu because, according to DSS, the “special squad” in charge of visitations went on “outside assignment”. They asked us to come on Monday (today). Today (Monday), we‘re at DSS. They’re telling us the same thing. We disagree.”

HURIWA condemned the alleged “lawlessness and highhandedness of the secret police since the abduction of Kanu from Kenya in June 2021”.

In the statement, HURIWA stated that the secret police had been “flouting the orders of Justice Nyako and the judge had not deemed it fit to hammer any sanction on the DSS”.

The statement reads, “The judge had ordered that the DSS give Kanu maximum comfort in custody including change of clothes, access and usage of his Jewish materials and other items of his faith as well as freedom to converse with other detainees in DSS custody in Abuja.

“But it is ridiculously shocking that the DSS continues to flout the orders of the judge with impunity and the judge sees no reason to slam a sanction on the secret police which is meant to uphold the law. The contempt application against the DG of DSS reportedly filed by the lawyers to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is said not to have been heard or even transmitted to any judge for adjudication thereby triggering the suspicion that the Nigerian judiciary has surrendered her constitutional powers to the executive arm of government that commands and controls the DSS”.

“The judge had also ruled that the DSS allow Kanu access to his lawyers and any person he deems fit to visit him but the failure to comply by the DSS has not attracted any sanction.

“The manner and mistreatment of Kanu in detention is bothersome. Kanu not being allowed to change his clothes because the DSS said he can’t put on Isi Agu a traditional clothes of the Igbo race, an explanation that flies in the face of reason and good conscience and questions the intention of the DSS in this utterly discriminatory policy that offends Section 42(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

“Journalists, activists and other persons monitoring the trial of Kanu have also been arrested and released after cocktails of harassment and subjected to dehumanising conditions by hyperactive and overzealously lawless security agents.

“Let the whole world know that Abba Kyari who is facing drug trafficking offences has not even been paraded before the public eye but Kanu has been dehumanised beyond words.

“Justice Nyako must know that the failure of the DSS to obey the orders of her court looks like the crippling of the independence of the judiciary and offensive to Section 6 of the Nigerian Constitution. The denial of access to His lawyers seems to be the highest manifestation of lawlessness and arbitrariness which is a direct threat to judicial independence and infringes on his fundamental rights.

“HURIWA, thereby, calls for the monitoring of the prosecution by accredited credible non-governmental bodies and for the DSS to give access to Kanu’s family, lawyers and credible civil rights platforms that get the permission of the detainee and the DSS to visit and assess the situation of his detention.”

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Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim

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A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.

 

One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.

 

Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.

 

In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”

 

He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.

 

“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.

 

He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.

 

The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.

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How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.

 

Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.

 

The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.

 

Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.

 

Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.

 

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Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly

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The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.

 

The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.

 

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.

 

According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

 

The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.

 

“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.

 

The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.

 

Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.

 

The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.

 

“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.

 

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”

 

It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.

 

JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.

 

 

 

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