Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob) and director of London-based radio station Radio Biafra, was apprehended in Lagos in October and his arrest has prompted thousands of people to organise rallies in Nigeria and other states calling for his release.
The Nigerian government claims Kanu has been released on bail, however his lawyer Vincent Obetta confirmed to IBTimes UK that he was still being held by the DSS. The same allegations were made by members of a leading NGO in Abuja and an intelligence source, who both spoke to IBTimes UK on condition of anonymity as they had not been authorised to publicly comment on the issue.
A statement from Biafra 24, a live onlline radio station claimed: " Nigeria's DSS has failed to produce Nnamdi Kanu, who is supposed to appear in court [Abuja's Magistrates Court] today. No reason whatsoever was given."
Prosecution counsel Moses Idakwo informed the court that Kanu was not in court, according to the Cable an online newspaper, which added Kanu was standing trial after being charged with criminal conspiracy, intimidation and belonging to unlawful society. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Cable also said that Obetta and Gabriel Egbule argued in court over who was authorised to represent Kanu. The Magistrate Court has ordered the DSS to produce Kanu before it on 23 November.
IBTimes UK has repeatedly tried to contact the DSS for a statement. A person who did not disclose his identity said he could not comment nor provide a number for the appropriate department to contact for a statement. The person then said "call this number tomorrow" and hung up. The DSS has refused to comment.
Culled from IBT UK
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