A Department of State Services (DSS) operative testified on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja that Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), receives “presidential treatment” while in DSS custody. This disclosure was made during a trial-within-trial focused on the admissibility of statements Kanu claims were obtained under duress in 2015.
The DSS operative, identified only by the initials Mr. C.C.C, is the third prosecution witness. He told the court that Kanu has not been subjected to coercion, threats, or solitary confinement, contrary to the claims made by the defendant. Kanu had alleged that a DSS operative named “Mr. Brown” threatened him with confinement in a “dungeon” to force confessions. However, the witness refuted this, stating that the DSS officers involved in Kanu’s interviews were named James, Ibrahim, and Collins—none of whom bore the name Brown.
Video Evidence Admitted
During the hearing, the prosecution tendered three video recordings as evidence, all of which were admitted by the court. One of the videos showed Kanu inspecting a radio transmitter that was allegedly smuggled into the country, reinforcing his role in operating Radio Biafra, a major broadcasting platform used by the secessionist group.
In the video footage, Kanu is seen admitting that he is the founder and director of Radio Biafra. He also claimed that IPOB receives funding from supporters around the world and has active representatives in more than 80 countries.
Statements Under Dispute
The controversy centers around three written statements made by Kanu at DSS headquarters on October 23, 24, and November 4, 2015, as well as recorded interviews from October 21 and 23. Kanu’s legal team argues that these statements were extracted under duress and should be deemed inadmissible.
However, Mr. C.C.C. described the conditions of Kanu’s detention as more favorable than those of other detainees, saying he was surprised by allegations of mistreatment. The witness also referred to statements Kanu made in an interview with U.S.-based Sahara Reporters, during which he allegedly referred to Nigeria as a “Zoo,” accused former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari in unprintable terms, and claimed that Senator Rochas Okorocha had “Islamised” his people.
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Kanu Testifies About His Arrest
Taking the witness stand during the trial-within-trial, Kanu recounted being struck by a DSS officer during his 2015 arrest in Lagos. He noted, however, that the officer later apologized during their transport to Abuja.
Judge’s Ruling Pending
Presiding Judge Justice James Omotosho ruled that a trial-within-trial was necessary to determine the voluntariness of the statements under Section 29 of the Evidence Act. He emphasized that if the statements were found to have been made under duress, they would be rendered inadmissible.
Justice Omotosho also indicated that the court would rule on whether the absence of Kanu’s legal team during the recording of the statements would further affect their admissibility.
The case was adjourned to Thursday, May 29, 2025, for the continuation of the hearing and the court’s ruling on the admissibility of the contested statements.
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