A WITNESS and operative of the Department of State Services (DSS), identified as “BBB,” testified before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, asserting that the agency played no role in the arrest of Nnamdi Kanu in Kenya.
BBB, the second prosecution witness (PW-2) in the trial of Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), made the statement during cross-examination before Justice James Omotosho.
Responding to questions from Kanu’s lead counsel, Paul Erokoro, SAN, the witness clarified that the DSS operates strictly within Nigeria and does not conduct foreign operations.
“The DSS did not kidnap Kanu in Kenya. Our mandate is limited to internal security matters within Nigeria,” BBB stated.
While acknowledging Kanu’s admission as the founder of Radio Biafra, the witness said he could not confirm whether the station remained operational.
He further emphasized the agency’s neutrality, stating that the DSS operates under the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and is not influenced by political figures.
BBB also refuted claims that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) supervises the DSS, though he noted that the agency may receive correspondence from any government body for investigative purposes.
When questioned about Kanu’s allegations of being abducted in Kenya, the witness maintained that such matters fell outside his purview. He acknowledged Nigeria’s colonial history but denied knowledge of past independence advocates being labeled as terrorists.
Regarding the late Odimegwu Ojukwu, BBB confirmed Ojukwu’s military background and subsequent rebellion but stated that Biafra has never been a recognized entity in Nigeria. He conceded that peaceful advocacy for change is permissible but accused Kanu of inciting violence through Radio Biafra broadcasts.
The defence presented three court judgments — from the High Courts of Abia, Umuahia, and Enugu—criticizing Kanu’s arrest and the military’s invasion of his residence. Justice Omotosho admitted these documents as evidence.
BBB reiterated that the DSS only participated in Kanu’s arrest in Lagos, citing his alleged calls for violence against security personnel.
When Erokoro suggested that Kanu’s statements advocated self-defense, the witness countered that Nigerian law prohibits extrajudicial killings.
The proceedings were briefly disrupted when Erokoro sought an adjournment to present video evidence, prompting objections from prosecution counsel Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN.
Justice Omotosho granted the adjournment but warned that the defence must conclude cross-examination on May 22 or forfeit the opportunity.
Earlier, concerns were raised about a defence lawyer allegedly misrepresenting court proceedings on social media.
Both legal teams condemned the conduct, with Justice Omotosho cautioning against unprofessional behaviour that could delay the trial.
The case was adjourned to Thursday, May 22, 2025 (tomorrow) for continuation. (NAN)
