The Nigeria DSS Officials violation the leader of IPOB Nnamd kanu‬'s fundamental right

I just watched the News at 10 on Channels TV. I felt so bad seeing the DSS officials pushing and ruffling up Nnamdi Kanu, just because he raised up his hands to acknowledge cheers and support from his supporters who thronged the court premises where his matter came up for hearing earlier today, in solidarity.

That was so wrong! Is it a crime to greet people when you’re in detention? The point must be made that this is the kind of scenario that makes people to feel alienated from Nigeria.

It must be further stated that a man who’s been dragged to court is still innocent, until the court says otherwise. So, overzealous security agents will do this country a lot of good if they leave their personal prejudices and biases at home while reporting for their routine official duty.
If you don’t like Nnamdi Kanu, that’s fine, it’s your choice. But you have no right to start treating him like a common criminal when he’s not been found guilty by any court. Are you the one to determine his guilt or otherwise? Even a convicted felon is still entitled to enjoy human rights by law. The Supreme Court of Nigeria decided so as far back as 1996 in Peter Nemi vs. The Attorney-General of Lagos State.

Even in England, from where our laws got inspiration, their laws do not recognise loss of rights (the principle of attaint) even for prisoners who are on death row.

So, who the heck was the DSS guy in white caftan and red cap that betrayed so much hatred and rage for Kanu, just because he raised his hands to salute supporters who came to keep his spirits alive? I did not see anybody disturb Sambo Dasuki when he stopped, while being escorted by DSS officers, to shake hands with his friends and supporters.

Or is it because it’s Nnamdi Kanu, that Igbo boy who’s associated with revving up the name ”Biafra”?

These little flipflops might go unnoticed here, but they matter a lot, because they speak directly to the neutrality or otherwise of people in whose custody accused but innocent persons are remanded.

By Emeka Ibe