Ipob claims Nnamdi Kanu has a gastrointestinal disorder and want him released on medical grounds

SECESSIONIST group the Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob) has renewed calls for the release of its leader Nnamdi Kanu saying he has a gastrointestinal disorder which requires urgent medical attention.

Highly controversial, Mr Kanu has been campaigning for the recreation of the independent republic of Biafra which broke away from Nigeria between July 1967 and January 1970 during the civil war. His campaign, which has led to the phenomenal growth of Ipob, has set him at odds with the Nigerian government who him arrested and put on trial for treason.

While the case was still pending, Mr Kanu was granted bail in April 2017 on health grounds but skipped his bail after flouting the conditions given to him by the court and fled Nigeria. In a dramatic development, in June last year, Mr Kanu was abducted in Kenya and flown to Nigeria, where he has since been arrayed in court in Abuja, with fresh charges added to the pending ones.

According to Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Mr Kanu's counsel, the detained Ipob leader has been diagnosed with a gastrointestinal disorder, following persistent heartburn. He added that despite the order of Justice Binta Nyako of a Federal High Court in Abuja that Mr Kanu should be given serious medical attention, the Department of State Services (DSS) has been acting on the contrary.

Mr Ejiofor said: “Presently, Onyendu is experiencing gastrointestinal disorder, which requires regular intake of antacid and other availing medical solutions, following persistent heartburn. Unfortunately, the DSS have denied him the least of the prescribed pain killer tablets that could provide momentary relief.

“Following this development, our erudite lead counsel, Chief Mike Ozekhome has immediately swung into action to ensure immediate end to this maltreatment and impunity.”