The Federal High Court in Abuja resumed the trial of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, on Tuesday with key testimony from a DSS officer.
Court Grants Witness Protection Request
Justice James Omotosho approved the Federal Government’s request for witnesses to testify behind screens, citing national security. The prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awolowo, had filed an ex parte application to that effect.
Defence Team Sees Major Boost
Kanu’s defence, headed by Kanu Agabi (SAN), appeared with 22 lawyers. However, the judge allowed only 13 to be listed. Notably, four senior advocates – Audu Nunghe, Joseph Akubo, Emeka Etiaba, and Onyechi Ikpeazu—joined the defence.
DSS Narrates Kanu’s 2015 Arrest
A DSS officer, identified as “AAA,” testified from behind a screen. He said his team arrested Kanu on October 14, 2015, at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Lagos. Although Kanu’s name was missing from the guest list, a room-to-room search revealed him in Room 303 with Maria Ibezimakor.
According to AAA, Kanu initially resisted arrest and headbutted an officer. The room contained radio equipment, which Kanu confirmed belonged to him.
Video Evidence Played in Court
The DSS presented a video recording of Kanu’s interrogation. In it, Kanu admitted founding Radio Biafra and acknowledged operating without a license in Nigeria. He claimed his goal was peaceful advocacy for self-determination across the South-East, South-South, Benue, and Kogi regions.
Kanu denied involvement in any violence, affirming that freedom fighting was a legal right under Nigerian and international law.
What This Means
With DSS evidence admitted, the trial intensifies as the court scrutinizes Kanu’s role in operating Radio Biafra and advocating secession. More testimonies are expected as the trial continues.
The Federal High Court in Abuja resumed the trial of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, on Tuesday with key testimony from a DSS officer.
Court Grants Witness Protection Request
Justice James Omotosho approved the Federal Government’s request for witnesses to testify behind screens, citing national security. The prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awolowo, had filed an ex parte application to that effect.
Defence Team Sees Major Boost
Kanu’s defence, headed by Kanu Agabi (SAN), appeared with 22 lawyers. However, the judge allowed only 13 to be listed. Notably, four senior advocates—Audu Nunghe, Joseph Akubo, Emeka Etiaba, and Onyechi Ikpeazu—joined the defence.
DSS Narrates Kanu’s 2015 Arrest
A DSS officer, identified as “AAA,” testified from behind a screen. He said his team arrested Kanu on October 14, 2015, at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Lagos. Although Kanu’s name was missing from the guest list, a room-to-room search revealed him in Room 303 with Maria Ibezimakor.
According to AAA, Kanu initially resisted arrest and headbutted an officer. The room contained radio equipment, which Kanu confirmed belonged to him.
Video Evidence Played in Court
The DSS presented a video recording of Kanu’s interrogation. In it, Kanu admitted founding Radio Biafra and acknowledged operating without a license in Nigeria. He claimed his goal was peaceful advocacy for self-determination across the South-East, South-South, Benue, and Kogi regions.
Kanu denied involvement in any violence, affirming that freedom fighting was a legal right under Nigerian and international law.
What This Means
With DSS evidence admitted, the trial intensifies as the court scrutinizes Kanu’s role in operating Radio Biafra and advocating secession. More testimonies are expected as the trial continues.
