The Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria, Yusuf Bichi, is facing a potential jail sentence for alleged contempt of court.
This threat arises from the DSS’s consistent disregard for court orders concerning visitation rights for Nnamdi Kanu, who is in DSS custody.
The Federal High Court issued a notice warning Bichi to comply with its orders or face imprisonment. The court’s directive was explicitly stated in a notice acknowledged by DSS operatives Tina James and Fatima Abdul. The notice, sent by Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, emphasizes, “TAKE NOTICE that unless you obey the directions contained in this Order, you will be guilty of Contempt of Court and will be liable to be committed to prison.”
On May 20, 2024, Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako of the Federal High Court issued an order modifying the conditions of Kanu’s counsel visitation. This order was intended to enhance Kanu’s access to legal counsel to ensure he receives a fair trial. Justice Nyako specified, “Kanu be permitted by the State Security Services to meet with up to five of his lawyers, and that such consultation be done in a ‘clean’ room at the State Security Services where Kanu is currently detained.”
The court’s recent threat underscores its commitment to enforcing compliance with its rulings and ensuring that Kanu’s legal rights are respected during his detention and trial preparations. The court warned the DSS DG that failure to comply with its orders would result in “legal consequences.”
