Nnamdi Kanu Admitted Operating Illegal Radio, Inciting Attacks – DSS Witness Tells Court

DSS testimony. On Tuesday, a Federal High Court in Abuja heard startling revelations from a Department of State Services (DSS) official who testified in the ongoing terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

According to StartSmart Nigeria reports, the witness, identified only as BBB, testified behind a protective screen as the second prosecution witness (PW2). He told the court that Kanu admitted to operating the controversial Radio Biafra on unauthorized frequencies—102.1 FM and 88.0 FM—without a broadcasting license from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). DSS testimony.

BBB also stated that Kanu acknowledged that the voice heard on Radio Biafra, which allegedly included directives to attack police officers, was his own.

“The voice in the broadcast was Kanu’s own,” BBB confirmed, adding that the IPOB leader also expressed intentions to lead the secession of Nigeria’s five South-East states along with parts of Kogi and Benue. DSS testimony.

The DSS operative further revealed that he was assigned to record Kanu’s statement in July 2021 on the instruction of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). The statement-taking session was captured on video.

During proceedings, the prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), attempted to tender a compact disc of the video recording, along with the AGF’s letter and a certificate of compliance. However, the defence team, headed by Kanu Agabi (SAN), opposed the move. DSS testimony.

Agabi argued that the defence had not been served copies of the documents in advance, asserting that it violated the defendant’s right to a fair trial. DSS testimony.

In his ruling, Justice James Omotosho sided with the defence, stating that in line with Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution, all documents and materials intended for use in the case must be shared with the defence team. DSS testimony.

The judge adjourned the trial until May 7, instructing the prosecution to ensure the defence is duly served with all necessary materials ahead of the continuation of PW2’s testimony.

StartSmart Nigeria Legal Insight:
This development underscores the importance of due process and fair trial rights in Nigeria’s judicial system, even in high-profile terrorism cases.