By National Record, with agency Report
A WITNESS in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), testified on Tuesday that the defendant admitted to inciting members of the public to attack police officers during interrogation.
The witness, a Department of State Services (DSS) operative identified as “BBB” for security reasons, gave his testimony before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Led in evidence by the Federal Government’s lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, the witness stated that Kanu not only led IPOB but also founded its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
BBB, the second prosecution witness (PW-2), testified behind a screen provided by the court for security purposes.
He disclosed that Kanu operated an illegal radio station broadcasting on frequencies 102.1 FM and 88.0 FM without authorization from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
The DSS operative stated that he first encountered Kanu on July 17, 2021, following a directive from the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) requesting an investigation into the IPOB leader’s alleged terrorist activities.
The AGF’s letter, addressed to the DSS Director-General, prompted a team including BBB and four other officers to interrogate Kanu.
According to the witness, Kanu was presented with the AGF’s letter, which he and his legal team, including Barrister Alloy Ejimakor, reviewed before he voluntarily provided a statement.
During the interrogation, BBB played recorded broadcasts from Kanu’s “Radio Biafra,” in which the defendant allegedly called for attacks on police officers and made other inflammatory statements.
Kanu reportedly acknowledged that the broadcasts were his.
When questioned about Kanu’s motives, BBB stated that the IPOB leader sought the secession of the five south-eastern states, along with parts of Kogi and Benue, from Nigeria.
The interrogation was reportedly recorded on video.
Legal Objections and Adjournment
The prosecution sought to tender the AGF’s letter and the video recording as evidence, but Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, objected, arguing that these materials were not included in the proof of evidence previously served on the defense.
Agabi emphasized the defendant’s right to access all documents the prosecution intended to rely upon and requested an adjournment to review the newly submitted materials.
Awomolo conceded that the omission might have been an oversight, given his recent involvement in the case, and assured the court that all necessary documents would be provided to the defence.
Justice Omotosho ruled in favour of the defence, ordering the prosecution to comply with Section 36 of the Constitution by furnishing Kanu’s legal team with all relevant materials. The case was adjourned to May 7 for continuation.
Earlier Testimony and Courtroom Conduct
Earlier, the first prosecution witness (PW-1), another DSS operative identified as “AAA,” concluded his testimony after cross-examination by Agabi and re-examination by Awomolo.
Under questioning, AAA confirmed his awareness that Kanu was charged with inciting violence against police officers but stated he was not involved in drafting the charges.
Before the proceedings commenced, Justice Omotosho addressed concerns regarding legal representation and courtroom conduct.
Noting the limited space, the judge restricted the number of defence counsel present to 16 out of 29 originally listed.
He also reprimanded Mrs. Favour Kanu, wife of Kanu’s younger brother, for live-streaming court proceedings despite a prior warning.
Although she apologized, the judge barred her from attending the next three sessions as a disciplinary measure.
Justice Omotosho reiterated his commitment to ensuring a fair trial while cautioning against actions that could delay proceedings. The case continues on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
