Nnamdi Kanu’s 2015 Arrest, Interrogation Video Played In Court As SSS Witness Testifies Behind Screen

The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), continued on Tuesday before the Federal High Court in Abuja, with the Federal Government opening its case and presenting a Department of State Services (DSS) operative as the first prosecution witness.

The witness, identified only as PWAAA, testified behind a screen following a successful application by the prosecution to protect the identities of witnesses in the terrorism case against the IPOB leader. Justice James Omotosho granted the request, citing the sensitive nature of the charges. Kanu’s lawyer, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, did not oppose the move but asked for reciprocal cooperation when the defence argues for bail.

During his testimony, PWAAA stated that he led the DSS team that arrested Kanu at the Golden Tulip Hotel near Lagos International Airport on October 14, 2015. Kanu was allegedly in the company of a woman at the time of his arrest.

The witness tendered a video recording of Kanu’s interrogation and an extra-judicial statement the IPOB leader made to the DSS, both of which were played and read aloud in open court. In the statement, Kanu admitted to founding Radio Biafra in London but said he did not register it with Nigeria’s National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), claiming it was unnecessary.

Kanu also stated that his agitation was aimed at the “emancipation of the South East, South South, and parts of Benue and Kogi” and argued that freedom fighting was not a crime, either in Nigeria or globally. He denied any involvement in violence and said no concrete links had been established between him and any such acts.

Kanu also claimed that his interrogation by the DSS was conducted without the presence of his lawyer, which he argued was a violation of due process.

Four suitcases recovered from Kanu’s hotel room were brought to court and opened. They were said to contain personal belongings and equipment used for Radio Biafra broadcasts. The defence did not object to their admissibility, and Justice Omotosho admitted the items into evidence.

The prosecution, led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, is pursuing a seven-count terrorism charge against Kanu. Following Tuesday’s session, Justice Omotosho adjourned the trial until Friday for cross-examination of the witness.