- Kanu’s family expressed concern over his health in prison
- They demanded continued access to independent medical care
- The family also petitioned foreign governments and rights groups
The family of the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has raised concerns over what it described as his deteriorating health condition while in custody at Sokoto prison.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Eko Hot Blog gathered that Emmanuel Kanu, speaking on behalf of the Okwu-Kanu family, appealed to the relevant authorities to ensure that Kanu continues to receive medical attention from an independent team of doctors.
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The family alleged that members of Kanu’s medical team had come under regulatory scrutiny and urged the appropriate authorities to allow the doctors to perform their duties without interference.
It also called for unrestricted access to Kanu’s preferred physicians, the suspension of disciplinary actions reportedly initiated against the medical professionals, and an independent review of matters relating to his medical records.
According to the family, copies of its petition have been forwarded to the governments of the United States, the United Kingdom and Israel, as well as relevant Nigerian authorities and international human rights organisations.
The statement claimed that Kanu’s health was seriously neglected while he remained in custody, alleging that state-appointed medical personnel allowed his potassium level to drop to a dangerously low level, which independent doctors reportedly described as capable of triggering cardiac arrest.
The family further alleged that he experienced poorly managed hypertension, declining kidney function and untreated heart-related complications before an independent medical team led by Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji was granted access to him.
It added that following the intervention of the independent doctors, Kanu’s potassium level reportedly improved from 2.1 mmol/L to 2.9 mmol/L. The family also claimed that symptoms including nosebleeds, fainting spells, dizziness, swollen feet and persistent headaches reduced significantly after the treatment.
Despite these developments, the family alleged that the doctors involved in Kanu’s treatment had faced intimidation and persecution instead of receiving recognition for their efforts.
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