A Department of State Services (DSS) official has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), admitted during interrogation to inciting attacks on police officers in Nigeria.
Testifying on Tuesday before Justice James Omotosho, the witness—identified only as “BBB”—said Kanu confessed during a July 17, 2021, interrogation that he made several broadcasts encouraging violence against law enforcement. The official also described Kanu as the founder of both IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Led in evidence by Adegboyega Awomolo, counsel to the federal government, the witness told the court that Kanu ran an unlicensed radio station, Radio Biafra, through which he allegedly incited violence. He said the recordings of Kanu’s broadcasts were played back during the interrogation, including one where he allegedly called for attacks on police personnel. Kanu reportedly confirmed the voice in the recordings was his.
The DSS official also said Kanu’s statement was taken in the presence of his legal representatives, including Aloy Ejimakor, and that a letter from the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), which initiated the investigation on grounds of terrorism, was presented to him.
When asked what Kanu’s objective was, the witness stated that he was agitating for the secession of Nigeria’s five South-East states, along with parts of Kogi and Benue.
The prosecution attempted to submit the AGF’s letter and a video disc containing the interrogation footage as evidence. However, Kanu’s lawyer, Kanu Agabi, objected, noting that the materials were not included in the evidence previously served to the defense.
Agabi insisted that the defense was entitled to review all materials intended for use in the trial and requested an adjournment. Awomolo acknowledged the oversight, attributing it to a recent handover of the case and did not oppose the adjournment.
Justice Omotosho ruled in favor of the defense, ordering the prosecution to provide all relevant materials before continuing the trial. The matter was adjourned to May 7, 2025.
Kanu is currently standing trial on a seven-count charge including terrorism and treasonable felony, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
