By OBSERVERS TIMES
A Department of State Services (DSS) operative, identified only as BBB, testified on Wednesday before the Federal High Court in Abuja, stating that the DSS was not involved in the arrest of Nnamdi Kanu in Kenya. This testimony came during the cross-examination of BBB, the second prosecution witness (PW-2), in the ongoing trial of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader.
During questioning by Kanu’s counsel, Paul Erokoro, SAN, the witness asserted that the DSS focuses solely on Nigeria’s internal security and does not conduct foreign operations. “DSS did not kidnap Kanu in Kenya. We are confined to Nigeria. We did not arrest Kanu in Kenya,” BBB declared.
While acknowledging he was unaware if Radio Biafra had ceased broadcasting, BBB confirmed that Kanu had admitted to founding the station. He also stated that the DSS operates neutrally and objectively, free from political influence, reporting directly to the National Security Adviser (NSA). He clarified that while the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) does not supervise their work, the DSS can receive investigation requests from any government agency, including the AGF’s office.
When pressed on whether he participated in Kanu’s arrest in Kenya, BBB responded in the negative, reiterating the DSS’s non-involvement in the apprehension. He further stated it was not his responsibility to confirm Kanu’s claims of being kidnapped in Kenya.
The witness acknowledged Nigeria’s colonial history but stated he had not encountered instances where those advocating for independence were labeled terrorists. He recognized Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu as a former Nigerian Army officer who later waged war against Nigeria and maintained that Biafra has never been a recognized entity.
BBB conceded that peaceful calls for change are permissible but accused Kanu of inciting violence and killings through Radio Biafra broadcasts. However, he was unaware of Kanu’s alleged directive to Simon Ekpa to cease certain activities.
Regarding court rulings declaring Kanu’s arrest and detention illegal, BBB admitted to having read about them online and in newspapers. Erokoro subsequently tendered three judgments from courts in Abia and Enugu states, all of which faulted Kanu’s arrest, detention, and the invasion of his Abia home by soldiers. Justice James Omotosho admitted these documents as evidence.
The witness maintained that the DSS was only involved in Kanu’s arrest in Lagos and accused the defendant of calling for the killing of security personnel. When Erokoro suggested Kanu’s calls were for self-defense, BBB stated he was unaware of any Nigerian law permitting the killing of another human being, or of the DSS Director General advocating self-defense. He did confirm awareness of former Defence Minister Gen. Theophilus Danjuma’s past claims of non-neutrality among security personnel in the country’s security challenges.
The cross-examination was abruptly adjourned by Erokoro, who cited the need to present video recordings not immediately available. Prosecutor Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, objected, reminding the court that ample time had been allocated for the defense to conclude the cross-examination. Justice Omotosho granted the adjournment but warned that the defense would be deemed to have closed its cross-examination if they failed to conclude by May 22. The trial is set to resume on May 22.
Earlier in the proceedings, both lead defense lawyer Kanu Agabi, SAN, and Awomolo raised concerns about a member of the defense legal team allegedly misrepresenting court proceedings on social media. Agabi apologized to the court, despite his lack of knowledge about the publications. Awomolo confirmed he had sent a letter protesting the misrepresentations and alleged live streaming of court proceedings by some individuals, including lawyers. Justice Omotosho admonished the parties, emphasizing the sensitive nature of the case and the potential for “gross misconduct” and disbarment for unprofessional conduct.
