Nnamdi Kanu Admitted Calling for Attacks on Police – DSS Witness Tells Court
A witness from the Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday told the Federal High Court in Abuja that Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), admitted to operating an illegal radio station and calling on his followers to attack police officers.
Testifying behind a protective screen as the second prosecution witness (PW2) in the ongoing terrorism trial, the witness—identified by the acronym BBB—told Justice James Omotosho that Kanu made the admissions while giving a voluntary statement in July 2021.
Led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), the DSS operative said Kanu acknowledged being the founder of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), which he described as the armed wing of IPOB, and confirmed that he operated a radio station on frequencies 102.1 FM and 88.0 FM without a license from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
BBB further testified that he was assigned, alongside four colleagues, to obtain Kanu’s statement following a directive from the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). According to him, Kanu read the AGF’s letter, consulted with his legal representatives, including Alloy Ejimakor, and then chose to respond voluntarily.
During the session, the witness said he played recordings from Radio Biafra in which Kanu incited violence, including calls for attacks on police officers. Kanu reportedly admitted that the voice in the recordings was his.
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The witness added that Kanu was advocating for the secession of Nigeria’s five South-East states, along with parts of Kogi and Benue States.
Awomolo presented a compact disc containing video footage of the statement session and sought to tender it, along with the AGF’s letter and a certificate of compliance, as evidence. However, defence counsel Kanu Agabi (SAN) objected, arguing that the prosecution failed to serve the defence team with the materials, which was a violation of Kanu’s rights.
Justice Omotosho upheld the objection, ruling that the defence must be served all documents the prosecution intends to rely on, in accordance with Section 36 of the Constitution. He then adjourned the trial to May 7, 2025, to allow the prosecution time to comply and for PW2 to continue his testimony.
Earlier in the day, the first prosecution witness (PW1), identified as PWAAA, concluded his testimony. During cross-examination, PWAAA admitted he was consulted as an investigator before charges were filed but was unaware that several counts, including those related to incitement, had been struck out in a prior ruling.
In a separate development, Justice Omotosho ordered Mrs. Favour Kanu, the defendant’s sister-in-law, to stay away from the courtroom for three sittings after she was caught livestreaming the proceedings on social media. When summoned, she admitted to the act, apologised, and was escorted out of the courtroom despite pleas from defence counsel.
The case continues on May 7.
By PRNigeria
