The family of Nnamdi Kanu, the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has raised fresh concerns over his health, urging Nigerian authorities to guarantee him continued access to independent medical care while serving his prison sentence.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Emmanuel Kanu, speaking on behalf of the Okwu-Kanu family, alleged that Kanu’s health deteriorated while in custody due to what the family described as inadequate medical management before an independent team of doctors was allowed to examine him.
According to the family, Kanu experienced several medical complications, including dangerously low potassium levels, poorly managed hypertension, declining kidney function and untreated heart-related conditions. They claimed the situation improved only after an independent medical team led by Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji was granted access to him.
The statement alleged that Kanu’s potassium level increased from 2.1 mmol/L to 2.9 mmol/L following the intervention of the independent doctors. It also claimed that symptoms such as nosebleeds, fainting, persistent headaches, swollen feet and episodes of dizziness became less frequent after he began receiving independent medical attention.
The family further alleged that members of Kanu’s independent medical team have faced intimidation and scrutiny since treating him. They called on relevant authorities and regulatory bodies to allow the doctors to continue their work without interference and urged that any disciplinary proceedings against them be withdrawn.
Among its demands, the family requested unrestricted access for Kanu to his preferred physicians, an independent review of issues relating to his medical records, and protection for the medical professionals involved in his treatment. It also disclosed that copies of its petition had been forwarded to the governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel, as well as Nigerian institutions and international human rights organisations.
In a separate petition addressed to the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kanu appealed to the association to intervene in matters relating to his healthcare and the welfare of his independent medical team. He asked the NMA to engage relevant authorities, establish an independent healthcare oversight mechanism for detainees, and support what he described as his right to adequate medical treatment under the Nigerian Correctional Service Act and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Mandela Rules).
The issues raised by Kanu and his family are the family’s allegations and requests. As of the time of this report, there has been no public response from the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Federal Government, or the Nigerian Medical Association regarding the latest claims. Kanu is currently serving a life sentence at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Sokoto State.
