The Federal High Court in Abuja resumed the terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on Tuesday, with the Federal Government presenting key evidence including broadcasting equipment allegedly used for Radio Biafra and video footage of his 2015 interrogation.
Kanu, currently facing seven terrorism-related charges, restated through a written statement that his agitation for Biafra is peaceful and centered on self-determination for the people of the South-East, South-South, and parts of Benue and Kogi states. The statement, dated October 15, 2015, was submitted to the Department of State Services (DSS) and read aloud in court.
The IPOB leader was first arrested on October 14, 2015, in Lagos after returning from the United Kingdom. He was later granted bail in 2017 on health grounds. However, Kanu left Nigeria following a controversial military operation in his hometown of Afaraukwu, Abia State, in September 2017. The raid by Nigerian soldiers, under the Operation Python Dance initiative, reportedly led to the deaths of at least 20 people, according to multiple media and human rights reports. Kanu’s home was attacked, prompting him to flee the country in what many described as an escape from a life-threatening situation.
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In June 2021, Kanu was re-arrested in Kenya under disputed circumstances and forcibly returned to Nigeria — a move widely condemned by international observers as a violation of extradition protocols and international law.
Originally charged with 15 counts of terrorism and treasonable felony, eight charges were dismissed in April 2022 for lacking merit. Though the Court of Appeal later ordered his release and struck out the remaining charges, the Supreme Court overturned that decision on December 15, 2023, reinstating seven charges and directing his trial to continue.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, lead prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) requested protective measures for witnesses, citing security concerns. The court permitted the use of screens to conceal witness identities, while still allowing the defendant to see them. Kanu’s legal team, led by Kanu Agabi (SAN), raised no objections but sought mutual cooperation in the matter of bail applications.
The prosecution’s first witness, a DSS operative identified only as Mr. A.A.A., testified from behind a screen. He recounted the details of Kanu’s 2015 arrest at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Lagos. Acting on intelligence, DSS operatives reportedly met resistance from hotel staff but later located Kanu in Room 303 alongside a woman named Maria Ibezimakor.
The witness alleged that Kanu initially resisted arrest and that a search of the room uncovered a setup resembling a radio broadcasting studio. The DSS presented in court various seized items — laptops, microphones, flash drives, mixers, and IPOB pamphlets — which were admitted as evidence. Kanu allegedly confirmed ownership during interrogation.
Passports bearing the name “Okwu-Kanu Nwannekaenyi Nnamdi Ngozichukwu” were also submitted. According to testimony, Kanu had checked into the hotel under the alias “Nwannekaenyi Ezebuiro.” The witness added that two women were found in a nearby room registered under the same name.
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A CD of Kanu’s DSS interrogation, conducted the day after his arrest, was played in court. In the recording, Kanu acknowledged founding Radio Biafra and confirmed that the station was not licensed by the National Broadcasting Commission, explaining that he did not expect the Nigerian authorities to grant such permission.
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Kanu strongly emphasized that IPOB’s mission is peaceful and grounded in international law, citing the United Nations Charter’s recognition of the right to self-determination. He denied involvement in any form of violence and claimed that he was interrogated by the DSS without access to legal representation.
Both the written statement and video evidence were admitted by the court.The matter was adjourned until May 2, 2025, for the cross-examination of the first prosecution witness and the appearance of a second witness.
