The Department of State Services (DSS) has officially denied any role in the contentious arrest of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, in Kenya, maintaining that the agency only operates within Nigeria’s territorial boundaries.
This revelation came during the cross-examination of a prosecution witness identified as “BBB,” an intelligence officer with the DSS.
The cross-examination resumed under the direction of Paul Erokoro, who appeared for the defence.
When questioned on whether the DSS could be influenced by political figures or ministers, the witness clarified that the agency is supervised by the Office of the National Security Adviser and is not directed by the Attorney General.
On the agency’s intelligence gathering methods, the witness explained that they rely on diverse sources, including human intelligence and social media platforms.
He also emphasized that DSS operatives are trained to obtain information whenever necessary.
When asked further, the witness revealed that Nnamdi Kanu personally told him he was “kidnapped” from Kenya and brought back to Nigeria in 2021. Responding to claims that the DSS carried out the arrest, the witness reiterated that the agency does not have jurisdiction to arrest anyone outside Nigeria.
The witness further testified that Kanu, through his “Radio Biafra” broadcasts, incited violence, including during the 2020 EndSARS protests. He added that the IPOB leader was determined to actualize Biafra “by all means, including war.”
According to the witness, Kanu’s inflammatory statements contributed to attacks such as the burning of a police station in Ebonyi State, a high court in Lagos, and the cargo terminal at Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos.
During the cross-examination, Erokoro requested an adjournment, stating that the defence intended to submit a video clip as evidence and needed more time to do so.
The court also accepted certified true copies of rulings from three fundamental rights lawsuits filed by Kanu — from the Abia State High Court, the Federal High Court in Umuahia, and the Enugu State High Court.
Earlier in the proceedings, the trial judge issued a stern warning against live streaming and the inappropriate use of social media related to the case. He specifically cautioned Aloy Ejimakor, a defence lawyer, and others for sharing court content online.
Defence lead counsel Kanu Agabi had informed the court about a letter from the prosecution’s lead counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, raising concerns over unauthorized streaming of court sessions. Agabi supported the suggestion to ban mobile phones in the courtroom and criticized Ejimakor’s social media activities, stating the case was too critical to be trivialized.
Justice James Omotosho, in his remarks, emphasized that the accelerated hearing was granted to benefit all parties, especially Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in detention for an extended period.
He urged both legal teams to remain professional and warned that misconduct, particularly online, could lead to disciplinary actions, including possible disbarment.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the case to Thursday, May 22, for the continuation of the cross-examination of the second prosecution witness.
What you should know
Nnamdi Kanu is the leader of IPOB, a separatist group pushing for Biafra’s independence. His 2021 arrest in Kenya sparked controversy over the legality and method of his extradition. The Nigerian government claims he incited violence, while his legal team argues his rights were violated.
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