A Nigerian lawyer has raised serious concerns regarding the prolonged detention of Obikezie Uzochukwu John, a popular disc jockey (DJ) from Imo State, by the Department of State Services (DSS) without a trial. According to his legal team at Chief B.E. Okemili Associates Law Firm, John has been incarcerated since March 17, 2024, on allegations that he is linked to the banned group, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). However, despite being detained for nearly a year, John has neither been formally charged nor granted a trial in any court of law.
John, known for his role as a DJ, was reportedly arrested by the Commander of the Ebubeagu security outfit in Orlu, Imo State, a paramilitary group allegedly set up to tackle insecurity in the region. His arrest came amidst ongoing efforts by security agencies to clamp down on suspected members of the ESN, a group believed to be responsible for separatist violence in the southeast. However, his legal representatives maintain that John, who is known for his peaceful nature and work in the entertainment industry, has no connections to the ESN.
Unjust Detention and the Plight of His Family
John’s lawyer has expressed grave concerns about the legality of his client’s continued detention, emphasizing that the DJ has not been charged with any criminal offense, nor has he been afforded the right to a fair trial. The legal team points out that John’s detention is not only a violation of his rights but also a cause of significant hardship for his family. As the sole breadwinner of his household, his prolonged absence has placed his loved ones in dire straits.
The lawyer, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “It is a complete violation of justice to keep a citizen in detention without trial. John has committed no crime; he has not been charged with anything, and the DSS continues to hold him unlawfully.”
John’s family, devastated by his arrest, has been left struggling without their primary financial support. A relative, who spoke on behalf of the family, revealed that they have been in constant communication with the DSS, but their pleas for his release have gone unanswered.
“He’s an entertainer who hires musical equipment to perform at events. He was arrested without any concrete evidence, and the accusations are purely based on speculation,” the family member stated.
Repeated Applications for Bail Ignored
The legal team has made several attempts to secure John’s release through administrative bail. The first application was submitted shortly after his arrest in March 2024, when Mr. Wilcox, a former DSS director from Rivers State, was in charge of the agency. However, the application was dismissed without due consideration, an action that the lawyer decried as an act of contempt.
“At that time, we presented all the necessary assurances, including a credible surety, but the DSS dismissed our application without even offering an explanation. This was a clear indication that they were not interested in following due process,” the lawyer added.
Following Mr. Wilcox’s departure from the DSS, the legal team made another attempt for John’s release on September 9, 2024. However, this plea also met with silence. Despite mounting evidence that John poses no flight risk and has no involvement with criminal activities, the DSS has refused to release him or provide any updates on the status of their investigation.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
As the months drag on with no formal charges laid against John, his lawyers are calling for greater transparency from the DSS and a thorough investigation into the circumstances of his detention. In a series of formal letters addressed to the DSS, including those dated June 13, October 9, and December 27, 2024, the legal practitioners requested that the agency release John on bail or charge him in court if any substantial evidence could be presented.
The most recent letter, which was sent at the close of 2024, described John as a “DJ, who is an entertainer” and vehemently denied any connection to the ESN. It further questioned the credibility of the evidence used to justify his detention, noting that John had not been found with weapons or any other incriminating material at the time of his arrest.
“He was arrested without any arms, and no weapons were recovered from his possession or his home. It appears his detention is based purely on hearsay,” the letter reads.
The legal team also cited concerns regarding the manner in which John was treated during his time in custody, noting that he was allegedly subjected to inhumane conditions, a claim they argue should warrant his immediate release.
Legal Precedents and the Role of the DSS
The ongoing case of John highlights the broader issue of unlawful detention by security agencies in Nigeria. In recent years, the DSS and other law enforcement bodies have faced criticism for holding suspects without trial for extended periods, a practice that violates Nigeria’s constitutional provisions regarding personal liberty. Legal experts have warned that such violations undermine public trust in the justice system and contribute to the erosion of basic human rights.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has faced increasing pressure from human rights organizations both locally and internationally to curb such practices and ensure detainees are given fair trials within the confines of the law.
As Obikezie John’s family, friends, and legal team continue to await answers, their call for justice grows louder. For now, the young DJ remains in detention, his fate uncertain as he fights against what his lawyers argue is a miscarriage of justice.
“We are not just fighting for John, but for every Nigerian who may find themselves in a similar situation. No one should be treated this way,” the lawyer concluded.
