ABUJA — The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), resumed Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, with the Department of State Services (DSS) shedding light on his 2015 arrest.
A DSS operative, testifying under the codename PWAAA, revealed that when Kanu was arrested on October 14, 2015, at the Golden Tulip Hotel near Lagos International Airport, no weapons were found on him or the woman who was with him. Most of the seized items were identified as his personal belongings, including materials for radio broadcasts.
The operative listed the recovered items, which were presented in four suitcases, to include several laptops, modems, mobile phones, microphones, passports, perfumes, and other personal effects. Justice James Omotosho admitted the items as evidence.
While being cross-examined by Kanu’s lawyer, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), the witness admitted that he did not analyze any of the seized items and was only tasked with arresting Kanu and taking his statement. He also confirmed that Kanu’s phones were analyzed, but the findings were never submitted as evidence.
The witness acknowledged that Kanu was not accompanied by legal representation during the interrogation and admitted that some of the confiscated items may now be obsolete or expired.
When questioned further, the witness said he was unaware of others facing trial for Biafra-related agitation but noted that Simon Ekpa, a known IPOB supporter, had been arrested and would be extradited to Nigeria.
He stated that he could not recall any statements by Kanu condemning corruption or unemployment, nor could he confirm whether IPOB was ever described as non-violent. The operative also said he didn’t know if widespread killings in parts of the country were linked to any self-determination movement.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the trial to May 6, 7, and 8 for continued cross-examination.
Kanu, who was granted bail in April 2017 but fled the country following a military raid on his home, was re-arrested in Kenya in June 2021 and renditioned back to Nigeria. He has been held by the DSS since then.
The Court of Appeal had previously dismissed most of the charges against him and ordered his release in 2022, but the Supreme Court reversed that decision in December 2023, allowing the federal government to proceed with the remaining seven-count charge.
