Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has raised grave alarms about his deteriorating health condition in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). In a recent detailed letter to the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kanu disclosed that he is at immediate risk of sudden death due to a combination of untreated ailments and medical negligence.
Kanu revealed he is suffering from several severe health issues, including life-threatening potassium deficiency, tinnitus-induced sleep deprivation, hypertension, organ strain, and potassium instability. He described tinnitus as an incessant internal chirping sound that robs him of sleep and exacerbates his other conditions, putting him in danger of stroke, collapse, or sudden death.
He accused DSS-appointed doctors, particularly Dr. Nasiru Mohammed, of falsifying his potassium test results by recording normal levels while his real levels crashed dangerously low. Kanu further alleged neglect and intimidation of independent medical practitioners who tried to provide him with proper care.
According to Kanu, his health was already severely compromised following violent abduction and rendition from Kenya. He claims inconsistent and negligent medical treatment in Nigeria worsened his condition. Despite over 50 blood samples being taken, his health has not improved, and he has experienced severe symptoms such as chest pains, fainting, nosebleeds, headaches, and swelling.
Kanu credited Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji with partially stabilizing his condition but lamented that the DSS continued pressure and interference on independent physicians.
He demanded the immediate release of a recent NMA medical assessment report ordered to be filed by the Federal High Court and called on the NMA to investigate alleged malpractice and protect the ethical standards of medical treatment in custody.
The detained IPOB leader’s plea highlights critical concerns over detainee health rights and the ethical responsibilities of Nigerian authorities amid ongoing political and security tensions.