Nnamdi Kanu Lists Life-Threatening Illnesses in DSS Custody, Cries Out to NMA

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has raised alarm over his deteriorating health condition in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), warning that negligence could put his life at serious risk.

In a letter of complaint and appeal to the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kanu disclosed that he is battling multiple illnesses, including tinnitus, sleep deprivation, liver and kidney disease, pancreas, bladder and prostate complications, hypertension, and white matter disease.

He described tinnitus — a constant “chirping” sound in his ears — as one of the “gravest threats” to his survival, adding that the condition has worsened his hypertension and left him vulnerable to stroke, collapse, and sudden death.

*Tinnitus Robs Me of Sleep, Risks Stroke*

In the letter titled “The Danger of Tinnitus and Sleep Deprivation,” Kanu said the DSS had failed to provide adequate treatment despite the cumulative and devastating effects of his condition.

“Among the gravest threats to my survival today is tinnitus. The incessant chirping in my ears is more than a nuisance: it robs me of sleep, sometimes making rest completely impossible. It exacerbates my hypertension, magnifies chest pain, fainting risks, and psychological strain. It undermines my body’s natural capacity to heal,” he wrote.

Kanu revealed that DSS doctors once considered draining fluid from his inner ear but abandoned the plan due to the risk of permanent hearing loss. Since then, he claimed, no serious treatment had been attempted.

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He added: “Sleep deprivation, when combined with existing hypertension, organ strain, and potassium instability, places me in immediate danger of stroke, collapse, or sudden death. Neglect of tinnitus and sleep deprivation shows a reckless disregard for the life-threatening impact of untreated conditions.”

*Allegations Against DSS Doctors*

Kanu accused a DSS doctor, Dr. Nasiru Mohammed, of falsifying his medical records despite his worsening symptoms.

“From the moment he assumed control, Dr. Nasiru Mohammed began falsifying my test results, recording normal potassium levels when in reality they were dangerously low. When challenged as to why a potassium-sparing drug like Eplerenone was still prescribed if my potassium was supposedly normal, he provided no medical justification,” Kanu alleged.

He said under Mohammed’s care, he continued to experience frequent nosebleeds, fainting episodes, chest pains, debilitating headaches, and swollen feet.

Kanu also disclosed that over 50 blood samples had been taken from him since his detention, yet no improvement had been recorded in his health under DSS management.

*Intimidation of Personal Physicians*

The IPOB leader further alleged that the DSS had barred his personal physician, Dr. Cfine, from accessing him and intimidated the doctor into silence.

“My longtime personal physician, Dr. Cfine, who has treated me faithfully for decades, was barred from access and intimidated into silence. This exclusion lasted until the intervention of Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji, a globally respected surgeon and medical teacher. It was his timely intervention that saved me from imminent collapse,” Kanu stated.

According to him, under Dr. Cfine’s ethical care, his potassium levels showed slight improvement from 2.1 to 2.9 mmol/L, while episodes of nosebleeds, fainting, and swollen feet reduced.

*Professor Aghaji’s Intervention*

Kanu praised Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji, who he said confirmed his broader systemic health problems, including organ-related diseases and persistent tinnitus.

“It is no exaggeration to say that without Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji’s intervention, my health would have deteriorated beyond recovery. Yet instead of supporting him, the DSS has subjected him to the same pattern of intimidation used against Dr. Cfine,” he added.

Kanu reiterated that his current health situation remains precarious and urged the Nigerian Medical Association to intervene urgently to prevent further deterioration.