The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, heard fresh details about the 2015 arrest of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The trial resumed with a masked prosecution witness giving testimony.
The witness, identified only as “Oga AAA” for security reasons, told the court he led the team of Department of State Services (DSS) operatives that arrested Kanu at the Golden Tulip Hotel near Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos on October 14, 2015.
According to the witness, “We arrested Nnamdi Kanu with one woman in a hotel.”
The court had earlier granted the federal government’s request to shield the identities of its witnesses due to security concerns. Justice James Omotosho approved the application, allowing witnesses to wear masks and testify from behind screens.
The defence team did not object to the request.
The witness said Kanu was taken to the DSS office the following day for interrogation, which was recorded. The recording was admitted as evidence and played in open court.
In the video, Kanu identified himself and spoke about his mission, saying he was involved in a struggle to improve people’s lives. He confirmed that he founded Radio Biafra and identified himself as a communication engineer.
Kanu said while he was in Nigeria, the London-based station was being run by his associate, Uche Mefor. He noted that Radio Biafra had representatives in countries like the United States, Russia, Italy, and Sweden, but none in Nigeria. According to him, listeners in Nigeria helped to promote the broadcasts.Nigerian cultural tours
He admitted that the station was not licensed in Nigeria, acknowledging that running an unlicensed radio station is illegal. According to him, If he applies for a license, it wouldn’t be given to him.
Kanu also stated that he was fighting for the emancipation of the South-East, South-South, and parts of Benue and Kogi states. He insisted that freedom fighting is not a crime and is protected under international law.
Kanu denied any involvement in violence, saying he has never been linked to any violent activity.
