The terrorism trial of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu took a dramatic turn at the Federal High Court as a Department of State Services (DSS) operative testified under cross-examination that no weapons or instruments of violence were found during the defendant’s arrest. The witness, identified only as AAA, appeared behind protective screens as ordered by Justice James Omotosho, marking the first time security personnel have testified in the decade-long case.
During intense questioning by Kanu’s lead counsel Kanu Agabi (SAN), the DSS agent made several critical admissions:
- Confirmed neither Kanu nor his female companion possessed weapons during arrest
- Acknowledged confiscated items (including phones) had deteriorated after 10 years in custody
- Admitted the prosecution had no record of analyzing Kanu’s phone contents
- Stated no other individuals are currently standing trial for Biafra-related terrorism
The cross-examination revealed glaring gaps in the prosecution’s case, with AAA conceding under oath:
“I don’t know of anyone who committed violence based on Kanu’s incitement.” When pressed about nationwide insecurity unrelated to separatist agitation, the witness surprisingly claimed Nigerian highways are “safe to a larger extent.”
The trial’s tortuous history resurfaced as the court heard how:
✔ Original 2015 charges included 4 co-defendants before case separation
✔ Kanu fled Nigeria in 2017 amid controversial bail conditions
✔ Dramatic 2021 Kenya extradition enabled trial resumption
Prosecutor Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) attempted damage control, presenting social media posts allegedly linking Kanu to IPOB’s activities. However, the defense highlighted the witness’s admission that IPOB claims to be non-armed, with Agabi asserting: “My client is the only Nigerian facing terrorism charges for peaceful agitation.”
Justice Omotosho adjourned proceedings after the DSS operative revealed ongoing efforts to extradite IPOB affiliate Simon Ekpa from Finland. The admission sparked murmurs in the packed courtroom, where pro-Biafra activists observed proceedings under heavy security.
ADBN TV confirms the prosecution will present additional witnesses next week, though today’s testimony has raised questions about the evidentiary foundation of the terrorism charges against the detained separatist leader.
