The family of Nnamdi Kanu has accused the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) of targeting and intimidating doctors who have been providing independent medical care to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The allegation was made on Wednesday in a statement issued by Prince Emmanuel Kanu on behalf of the Okwu-Kanu family in Umuahia, Abia State, alongside a petition addressed to the Registrar of the MDCN.
According to the family, the actions against Kanu’s personal medical team are taking place while issues relating to his health and medical treatment remain before the Court of Appeal. The family argued that the continued investigation of the doctors could interfere with matters that are still awaiting judicial determination.
The statement claimed that Kanu’s health deteriorated while he was in DSS custody, alleging that he suffered from poorly managed medical conditions, including low potassium levels, high blood pressure, kidney-related complications and heart problems. The family maintained that his condition only began to improve after an independent medical team led by Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji was allowed to examine and treat him.
It further alleged that instead of recognising the work of the independent doctors, the DSS filed a complaint against Professor Aghaji before the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria over decisions taken during Kanu’s treatment. The family said the actions taken by the physician were medically necessary and helped stabilise Kanu’s health.
The family also referred to an order made by the Federal High Court in Abuja on September 26, 2025, directing the Nigerian Medical Association to set up an investigative panel to assess Kanu’s health. It claimed that an earlier medical report, which was allegedly prepared without the approval of the association, had been relied upon in a manner that did not accurately reflect Kanu’s medical condition.
According to the statement, the issues surrounding the court-ordered medical examination are now before the Court of Appeal. The family said its petition was aimed at stopping what it described as continued intimidation of Kanu’s doctors and ensuring he has access to independent medical care while in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The family also alleged that Professor Aghaji was recently arrested by the DSS because of his involvement in Kanu’s treatment. It added that another member of the medical team, Dr. Charles Ndukwu, had received a summons to appear before an investigation panel of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
It argued that the actions against the two doctors formed part of a wider effort to discourage independent medical professionals from giving evidence or documenting Kanu’s health condition. The family expressed concern that the development could affect evidence connected to the ongoing legal proceedings.
Among its demands, the family called for an immediate end to all actions against the doctors, the withdrawal of the summons issued to Dr. Ndukwu, and the suspension of all disciplinary steps involving Professor Aghaji. It also requested an investigation into the handling of Kanu’s medical records during his detention and asked the DSS to explain the alleged arrest and detention of Professor Aghaji.
The family further urged the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to publicly assure medical practitioners that they would not face punishment for providing independent treatment to patients, regardless of their legal status. It also requested unrestricted access for Kanu to his chosen physicians while under the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service and asked prison authorities to assume full responsibility for his healthcare in line with existing Nigerian laws and international standards.
According to the statement, copies of the petition have been sent to the governments of the United States, the United Kingdom and Israel, as well as relevant Nigerian authorities and international human rights organisations.
The family called on the authorities to respect ongoing court proceedings and allow medical professionals to carry out their duties without fear of intimidation or disciplinary action.