Nnamdi Kanu's family has accused the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) of systematically harassing the IPOB leader's independent physicians. The allegation was made in a statement by Prince Emmanuel Kanu, on behalf of Kanu and the Okwu-Kanu Family of Umuahia, Abia State, with a petition Kanu forwarded to the MDCN Registrar seeking urgent intervention attached to the statement.

The family said the harassment continues even though the core medical issues remain sub judice before the Court of Appeal, alleging the DSS mismanaged Kanu's health while in its custody and is now targeting the physicians who intervened. According to the independent medical team, DSS-appointed doctors allowed Kanu's potassium levels to fall to a life-threatening 1.9 mmol/L, a level capable of triggering cardiac arrest, while his hypertension remained poorly controlled, his kidney function deteriorated, and serious cardiac abnormalities went unaddressed.

The family said, "The DSS did not save Mazi Nnamdi Kanu's life. His personal physicians did," alleging the doctors have faced intimidation rather than commendation. They further alleged the DSS petitioned the MDCN against Professor Martin Aghaji over medication adjustments made during Kanu's treatment, and claimed Aghaji was abducted by armed men suspected to be DSS operatives after Kanu was transferred from DSS custody to the Nigerian Correctional Service. Another physician on the team, Dr. Charles Ndukwu, has reportedly been summoned by the MDCN's investigation panel.

The family also demanded a full investigation into alleged falsification of Kanu's medical records while in DSS custody, and an official explanation from the DSS regarding Aghaji's alleged abduction and detention. Describing the situation as a coordinated campaign against independent medical practitioners, the family called for an end to the alleged harassment, withdrawal of disciplinary proceedings against the doctors, and unrestricted medical access for Kanu. Kanu separately urged the Nigerian Medical Association to publicly condemn the alleged harassment, establish independent oversight of healthcare for prisoners and detainees, and ensure his right to adequate treatment under the Nigerian Correctional Service Act and the UN's Mandela Rules.

There was no immediate response from the DSS or MDCN to the allegations at the time of reporting.

This is the latest chapter in a monthslong dispute over Kanu's medical treatment. Aghaji was previously arrested at his Enugu residence in early July 2026 and later released, in an incident IPOB linked to his independent report contradicting the DSS's official account of Kanu's health during his trial. Kanu had earlier petitioned the World Medical Association in October 2025 over the same underlying concerns, alleging his medical records had been manipulated and demanding protection for Aghaji from retaliation.