DSS presents radio Biafra equipment as evidence Kanu’s trial

The Federal High Court in Abuja resumed the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on Tuesday, with the Department of State Services (DSS) presenting several items allegedly used to operate Radio Biafra.

Kanu, who is facing a seven-count terrorism charge, insisted during the session that his actions were non-violent and aimed solely at securing the liberation of the South-East, South-South, and parts of Benue and Kogi states.

This claim was part of a written statement he submitted to the DSS in Lagos on October 15, 2015, which was read aloud during the court session.

Initially arrested on October 14, 2015, Kanu was later granted bail in 2017 on health grounds. However, he fled the country and was re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 before being extradited to Nigeria.

Although the trial court dismissed eight out of the 15 initial charges in 2022, the remaining seven counts were reinstated by the Supreme Court in December 2023 after the Court of Appeal had earlier ruled in his favor.

At Tuesday’s hearing, the Federal Government’s lead counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), requested that the identities of prosecution witnesses be protected for security reasons.

The court granted this request, allowing witnesses to testify behind a screen, although they would still be visible to the defendant.

Kanu’s legal team, led by Kanu Agabi (SAN), did not oppose the arrangement but urged the court to consider their pending bail application.

The first prosecution witness, identified only as Mr. A.A.A., a DSS operative with 18 years of service, gave an account of Kanu’s 2015 arrest at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Lagos.

He said the security team, after facing resistance from hotel staff, eventually found Kanu in Room 303 along with a woman, Maria Ibezimakor. According to the witness, Kanu resisted arrest and head-butted one of the operatives.

During a search of the room, DSS operatives allegedly discovered broadcasting equipment resembling a radio studio setup.

Items such as laptops, microphones, flash drives, pamphlets, and other IPOB-related materials were packed into four suitcases and presented in court. Kanu is said to have admitted ownership of the equipment during interrogation.

The witness also said Kanu had checked in under the alias “Nwannekaenyi Ezebuiro” and that additional individuals using similar aliases were found in nearby rooms.

He added that Kanu’s passports, submitted by the hotel manager the next day, bore the full name “Okwu-Kanu Nwannekaenyi Nnamdi Ngozichukwu.” These were also admitted into evidence.

The DSS also played a recorded video of Kanu’s interrogation, where he confirmed founding Radio Biafra and admitted it was not licensed by the National Broadcasting Commission, saying he never sought a license due to skepticism about approval.

In the footage, Kanu emphasized that his advocacy was peaceful and aligned with global standards for the right to self-determination.

The court admitted both the written statement and video recording as part of the evidence.

The matter was adjourned to May 2 for cross-examination and the testimony of the next prosecution witness.