The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed an appeal filed by IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, challenging alleged violations of his fundamental rights while held by the Department of State Services (DSS).
A three-member panel ruled that the case had become academic following Kanu’s November 20 conviction for terrorism and his transfer from DSS custody to the Sokoto prison facility.
In the lead judgment, Justice Boloukuromo Moses Ugo said the court could no longer consider complaints about Kanu’s treatment in DSS detention—such as alleged denial of proper medical care, violation of his dignity, and restrictions on religious practice—since he was no longer in their custody.
The court added that Kanu’s request to be moved from DSS detention to Kuje prison had been overtaken by events, noting that he had previously expressed preference for prison custody and was now confined to one following his life sentence.
The appeal challenged a July 3 ruling by retired Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which dismissed Kanu’s rights enforcement suit for lack of proof.
The DSS Director General, the DSS, and the Attorney General of the Federation were listed as respondents.
