The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, now has access to his lawyers following the intervention of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen.
A member of the House, Obi Aguocha, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.
Aguocha, who represents Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South federal constituencies of Abia State, said he had a private meeting with Kanu on Thursday.
Kanu faces terrorism charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja. He has been detained since his controversial repatriation to Nigeria from Kenya in June 2021.
His legal team has repeatedly accused the State Security Service (SSS) of denying access to Mr Kanu.
Speaking in the run-up to Thursday's meeting, Aguocha said he was approached by Kanu's lawyers and informed of their lack of access to the detainee.
The legislator stated that he wrote to the Speaker and the State Security Service (SSS) for prompt intervention. He said the intervention generated a resolution between the lawyers and the SSS.
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“A resolution has been reached regarding the lack of access to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by his legal team, who are now being granted the necessary access to their client,” Mr Aguocha said.
The lawmaker also expressed optimism about a political agreement that would lead to the release of the detained leader.
He further revealed that Mr Kanu now has access to private healthcare and a preferred doctor.
“Nnamdi Kanu received private medical care on October 3, 2024,” the lawmaker said.
Mr. Aguocha reiterated that “Nnamdi Kanu's fundamental human rights, guaranteed by the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, as amended, and other relevant United Nations instruments, must be respected.”
PREMIUM TIMES cannot verify whether Mr Kanu now has access to his legal team.
Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu's lawyer, did not respond to calls to his phone or a text message sent confirming the lawmaker's claim.