The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied any involvement in the controversial arrest and repatriation of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, from Kenya in 2021.The agency maintained that its jurisdiction does not extend beyond Nigeria’s territorial borders.
This position was made clear during the cross-examination of a DSS intelligence officer—code-named Mr. BBB—in the ongoing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Under questioning by Paul Erokoro (SAN), counsel for the defence, the witness was asked whether the DSS could be influenced by political figures. Mr. BBB responded that the DSS operates under the Office of the National Security Adviser, and its activities are not directed by politicians or the Attorney General.
Pressed further, the witness explained that the DSS gathers intelligence from diverse sources, including human assets and social media, and that its operatives are well-trained to extract critical information as needed.
Mr. BBB also revealed that Nnamdi Kanu himself had claimed to have been “kidnapped” from Kenya and brought back to Nigeria. However, the witness emphasized that the DSS does not have the authority to effect arrests outside Nigerian soil, distancing the agency from the operation.
The prosecution witness reiterated that Kanu’s broadcasts via Radio Biafra incited violence, including during the EndSARS protests in 2020. He cited examples such as the burning of a police station in Ebonyi State, a Lagos State High Court, and the cargo terminal at Murtala Mohammed International Airport.
According to the witness, Kanu repeatedly expressed his resolve to pursue the Biafran cause “by all means, including war.”
During proceedings, the court admitted certified true copies of three judgments from fundamental rights enforcement cases filed by Kanu. These included rulings from the Abia State High Court, Federal High Court in Umuahia, and the High Court of Enugu State.
Cross-examination was temporarily halted as the defence informed the court of a video clip they intend to tender as evidence, prompting a request for adjournment.
Earlier in the session, the trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, addressed concerns over unauthorized live streaming and dissemination of court materials on social media.
Lead defence counsel Kanu Agabi (SAN) drew attention to a letter from prosecution counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) raising the issue, and specifically called out Aloy Ejimakor, a member of the defence team, for allegedly sharing misleading posts online.
Justice Omotosho cautioned all parties against unprofessional conduct, warning that such actions could have severe consequences, including potential disbarment.
He stressed the need for decorum, especially in a case of such national importance, and reminded both sides that the court had granted an accelerated hearing in the interest of justice and fairness.
The judge adjourned the case to Thursday, 22 May, for the continuation and conclusion of the cross-examination of the second prosecution witness.
