Prosecution Opens Case in Nnamdi Kanu’s Terrorism Trial with Veiled Witness

The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), continued on Tuesday with a dramatic turn of events.

A video recording of Kanu’s interrogation by the Department of State Services (DSS) was played in open court, revealing the IPOB leader’s claims about the purpose of Radio Biafra, a station he founded.

According to the video, Kanu stated that he established Radio Biafra to “promote truth, peace, and the fight for fundamental human rights.”

The recording was made during Kanu’s interrogation by the DSS after his arrest on October 15, 2015, at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Lagos.

The prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, had earlier filed an ex parte application seeking to protect the identities of the witnesses in the case, citing concerns for their safety and security.

The application was granted by Judge James Omotosho, allowing the first prosecution witness to testify without revealing their identity.

The witness, codenamed “AAA” and identified as a DSS staff member, testified that he was part of the team that arrested Kanu in 2015. He stated that several items, including broadcasting devices, were confiscated from Kanu’s hotel room, which was allegedly used as a makeshift studio for Radio Biafra.

In the video recording, Kanu admitted to setting up the radio station, which he claimed was registered with the UK government. However, he acknowledged that it was “illegal” to broadcast in Nigeria without registering with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

Kanu also revealed that Radio Biafra was funded by supporters from around the world and that he made his financial accounts public to the UK government.

The IPOB leader’s statements were seen as an attempt to justify the existence of Radio Biafra, which has been accused of promoting hate speech and inciting violence against the Nigerian government.

The prosecution witness also presented a statement made by Kanu during his interrogation, in which he claimed to have been questioned by the DSS without legal representation, as required by law. The statement was tendered as evidence, along with other exhibits, and admitted into the court record.

The trial is expected to continue, with the prosecution presenting more evidence and witnesses to build their case against Kanu. The IPOB leader is facing charges of terrorism and treasonable felony, which carry severe penalties if convicted.