A Federal High Court in Abuja has accepted into evidence a report from the Department of State Services (DSS) that purportedly connects Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to the deaths of 186 police officers and the destruction of 164 police stations during the #EndSARS protests.
Justice James Omotoso admitted the report today during the resumed hearing of Kanu’s terrorism trial.
The prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), presented the report through its fifth witness, identified only as Mr. EEE for security reasons. Mr. EEE, a DSS operative, testified that he was part of a team assigned to gather information and compile reports on the violence that erupted during the #EndSARS movement in the South-East and other regions of Nigeria.
“I know the defendant through the media. I have never met him face-to-face,” the witness told the court. He added that his mandate was to document the destruction of public property and the deaths of security personnel, which he claimed were incited by Kanu’s statements.
The court admitted a damage assessment report, death certificates of some security officers, and a certificate of compliance as exhibits, tendered through the witness by Awomolo. While the defense objected to the admissibility of these documents, arguments on their validity were reserved for a later date.
According to the witness, the violence resulted in the deaths of 186 police officers, 37 military personnel, and 10 DSS operatives. He further stated that 164 police stations and nine Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) facilities were destroyed across 17 states, including Lagos, Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, and Rivers, allegedly due to Kanu’s inciting messages.
During cross-examination, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), counsel for the defense, challenged the credibility of the report and the basis for linking Kanu to the unrest.
“You were not part of the investigation into the defendant himself, correct?” Ikpeazu queried.
“I was tasked to investigate the destruction of public property based on the statements of the defendant. He gave instructions to IPOB members to kill officers,” EEE responded.
Ikpeazu pressed further, questioning whether Kanu’s statements were directly tied to the #EndSARS protests or IPOB activities. He also inquired whether prominent activist Aisha Yesufu, known for her role in the protests, was similarly investigated.
“My assignment was not to investigate Biafra or individuals like Aisha Yesufu but to assess damage from the #EndSARS protest,” the witness replied. He added that while the protests were driven by “organic issues like police brutality,” they were “hijacked by subversive elements” who incited violence against the state.
When pressed for specifics, the witness admitted he could not identify any particular page in the report directly attributing the deaths to IPOB members. “It is a voluminous document. There is no single caption that links deaths directly to IPOB on any page,” he conceded.
Ikpeazu highlighted several deficiencies in the report, including a lack of dates on photographs, the absence of the witness’s signature, and missing details such as the names or towns of the deceased and the medical examiners. The witness admitted the report was certified in his capacity as secretary but was not personally signed by him.
“You did not sign this report. In fact, none of the photographs show the dates they were taken,” Ikpeazu observed, suggesting the report was compiled after the commencement of the trial—a claim the witness denied.
Meanwhile, the prosecuting counsel, Chief Awomolo (SAN), stated that the prosecution had successfully presented evidence related to the case and urged the court to grant his prayers.
Kanu Agabi (SAN), also representing the defense, entered a no-case submission, indicating their intent to address the court on that basis.
The court granted both parties 14 days to submit their arguments on the no-case submission and an additional two days for replies on points of law.
Justice Omotoso adjourned the case to July 18 for the adoption of the no-case submission.
Court Admits DSS Report Linking Kanu to #EndSARS Violence
