Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has expressed deep concern over his health while being held by the Department of State Services (DSS).
He revealed in a letter to the Nigerian Medical Association that he is battling several illnesses that put his life at risk, warning that he could face sudden death if his conditions are not properly managed.
Kanu explained that he suffers from tinnitus, a constant internal ringing in the ears that has worsened his hypertension and made sleep difficult. He noted that this condition increases the chances of stroke, collapse, and chest complications.
Alongside tinnitus, he listed liver, pancreas, kidney, bladder, and prostate problems, as well as sleep apnea, potassium imbalance, and white matter disease.According to him, doctors in DSS custody once considered draining fluid from his ear but abandoned the procedure for fear of permanent hearing damage.
Since then, he said, there has been little effort to provide him with adequate treatment. He also accused DSS doctors of falsifying his medical records, claiming his potassium levels were recorded as normal despite being dangerously low.
Kanu described experiencing frequent nosebleeds, fainting spells, chest pains, swelling of the feet, headaches, and light-headedness under DSS care. He alleged that over 50 blood samples had been collected during his detention without leading to any real improvement.
He further revealed that his personal doctor, who had treated him for years, was denied access and intimidated until the intervention of Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji, a respected surgeon. Kanu stated that under Aghaji’s guidance, his health showed modest improvement, with reduced fainting, nosebleeds, and swelling, although tinnitus and other systemic problems remain unresolved.
He said both Aghaji and his personal doctor faced intimidation from DSS despite their role in managing his conditions. Kanu insisted that without the intervention of trusted medical experts, his health would have worsened beyond repair, leaving him vulnerable to sudden death while in custody.