The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday postponed the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), until Friday to allow for the cross-examination of the Federal Government’s witness.
Presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, adjourned the proceedings after the prosecution, led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, completed its examination-in-chief of the first witness, identified as PWAAA, a Department of State Services (DSS) operative.
The witness, who testified behind a protective screen, presented documentary evidence against Kanu, which was admitted by the court without objection from Kanu’s lawyer, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN.
During his testimony, PWAAA told the court he had served in the DSS for 18 years and was part of the team that arrested Kanu at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Lagos.
In the evidence presented before the court, a video recording of Kanu’s interrogation by DSS operatives was played in the open court, and the statement he made on Oct. 15, 2015, was also read, where he admitted to establishing Radio Biafra in London and also registering in London.
In the statement equally read out in the open court by the witness, Kanu said he was interrogated by the DSS without the presence of his lawyer as required by law.
The IPOB leader, in the documentary evidence, admitted not registering the radio station with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) because he felt there was no need for it.
In his statement, he admitted fighting for the emancipation of the people of South East, South South and parts of Benue and Kogi.
Kanu, who stated that freedom fighting is not a crime in any part of the world, including Nigeria, said it is a fundamental right.
He claimed not to be involved in any violence because he had not been linked with any.
Four suitcases recovered from Kanu in his hotel room in 2015 were also brought to the courtroom and displayed.
The suitcases contained personal belongings of the defendant, especially the Biafra Radio equipment.
Kanu’s lawyer, Agabi, did not object to tendering them, and Justice Omotosho admitted and marked them as exhibits in the trial. (NAN)
What you should know
Nnamdi Kanu’s trial has been adjourned to Friday, with the court admitting video and documentary evidence presented by the DSS. Kanu reiterated that his actions were non-violent and centered on advocating for regional self-determination through Radio Biafra.
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