I’m in Danger of Sudden Death” – Nnamdi Kanu, Cries Out, Lists Over 6 Ailments in DSS Custody

By Our Correspondent

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has cried out over his deteriorating health while in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), listing more than six serious medical conditions he claims are being neglected.

In a letter addressed to the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kanu revealed that he is suffering from chronic tinnitus and sleep deprivation, which he described as the most urgent and life-threatening of his conditions.

According to him, tinnitus — a constant internal “chirping” sound in his ears — has not only robbed him of sleep but also worsened his hypertension, placing him at risk of stroke, collapse, and sudden death.

He explained that the incessant ringing in his ears makes restful sleep nearly impossible and has caused chest pain, fainting spells, psychological strain, and a decline in his body’s ability to heal.

He said DSS doctors had initially considered draining fluid from his inner ear but later abandoned the plan due to the risk of permanent hearing loss. Since then, he alleged, no serious attempt has been made to address the condition, which he insists is worsening over time.

Kanu warned that sleep deprivation, compounded by organ strain, potassium instability, and elevated blood pressure, places him in immediate danger. He accused the DSS of demonstrating a reckless disregard for the cumulative impact of these untreated conditions, claiming that the risk of a fatal medical event increases by the day.

The IPOB leader also accused a DSS-appointed physician, Dr. Nasiru Mohammed, of falsifying his medical records.

He claimed that Dr. Mohammed consistently recorded normal potassium levels despite evidence to the contrary. When questioned on why a potassium-sparing drug such as Eplerenone was still being administered under those allegedly “normal” conditions, Kanu said the doctor failed to offer any medical justification.

He said his health has continued to decline under DSS care, with frequent nosebleeds, fainting episodes, unrelenting chest pains, severe light-headedness, debilitating headaches, and swelling of the feet.

He disclosed that more than 50 blood samples have been taken since his detention began, yet none have translated into any meaningful medical intervention or improvement in his condition.

Kanu further alleged that his longtime personal physician, Dr. Cfine, who had treated him for decades, was denied access and intimidated into silence by DSS operatives.

This situation, he said, persisted until the intervention of Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji, a renowned surgeon and medical scholar, whose efforts he credited with saving him from imminent collapse.

He said that under Dr. Cfine’s care, his potassium levels modestly improved from a dangerously low 2.1 to 2.9 mmol/L — still below the safe threshold, but enough to significantly reduce the frequency of nosebleeds, fainting, and other symptoms.

He added that the swelling in his feet reduced and the headaches became less frequent, all signs of real progress before the DSS allegedly resumed obstructing proper care.

According to Kanu, Emeritus Professor Aghaji confirmed and documented a series of serious medical conditions affecting him, including liver, pancreas, kidney, bladder, and prostate problems, as well as white matter disease, sleep apnea, and the still-persistent tinnitus that continues to make his life unbearable.

He stressed that without Aghaji’s timely intervention, his condition would likely have deteriorated beyond recovery. However, he claimed that instead of supporting the professor’s efforts, the DSS subjected him to the same pattern of intimidation and obstruction previously used against Dr. Cfine.

Kanu concluded his letter by warning that his current state of health requires urgent, professional, and sustained medical attention — not political interference — if his life is to be preserved.