The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied involvement in the controversial arrest of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in Kenya, asserting that its jurisdiction is confined to Nigeria’s territorial boundaries.
This revelation came during the cross-examination of a prosecution witness, identified by the code name BBB, an intelligence officer from the DSS.
The cross-examination was conducted by Paul Erokoro, representing the defence.
When questioned about potential political or ministerial influence on the DSS, the witness explained that the agency operates under the Office of the National Security Adviser, clarifying that the Attorney General does not direct its operations.
Addressing inquiries about the DSS’s intelligence-gathering methods, the witness highlighted that the agency utilizes various sources, including human intelligence and social media. He emphasized that DSS operatives are trained to acquire necessary information efficiently.
Further probed, the witness recounted that Nnamdi Kanu claimed he was “kidnapped” from Kenya and returned to Nigeria in 2021. Responding to allegations that the DSS orchestrated the operation, the witness maintained that the agency lacks the authority to carry out arrests outside Nigeria’s borders.
The witness, therefore, restated that Kanu, via his Radio Biafra broadcasts, incited violence, including during the EndSARS protests in 2020. The witness added that the defendant expressed readiness to make Bbiafra possible by all means, including war.
Mr BBB stressed that the inciting comments made by the IPOB leader led to the burning of a police station in Ebonyi State, a Lagos state high court, and the cargo shed of the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos.
At some point during cross examination, Paul Erokoro, sought adjournment, informing the court that there is a video clip that the defense seeks to tender. He asked for some time to make that possible.
Meanwhile, the court admitted as evidence, certified true copies of judgments of three fundamental rights enforcement lawsuits instituted by nnamdi kanu. These are those of the Abia State high court, federal high court, Umuahia division and another by the high court of Enugu State.
Just before the commencement of the cross examination, the trial judge warned against live streaming of court proceedings and negative use of social media in the trial, sounding a note of warning against Aloy Ejimakor, a member of the defence team and others that were in the habit of posting live stream and court documents on the social media.
The day’s proceedings commenced with the defence’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, addressing the court regarding a letter from the prosecution’s lead counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, concerning the unauthorized live streaming of court sessions.
Agabi recommended a ban on phones in the courtroom, expressing concern over the actions of Aloy Ejimakor, a member of the defence team, who allegedly shares misleading information on social media. He criticized such behavior, emphasizing the seriousness of the case and the need to handle it responsibly.
Justice James Omotosho, in his remarks, noted that he had granted an accelerated hearing of the case to ensure fairness for all parties, particularly for Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in custody for an extended period.
The judge urged all parties to maintain professionalism and work towards the case’s progress. He also cautioned Ejimakor against further misconduct, warning that such actions could result in severe professional consequences, including disbarment.
Justice Omotosho further instructed all involved to refrain from actions or social media posts that could constitute misconduct.
The judge then adjourned the case to Thursday, May 22, for the continuation of the cross-examination of the second prosecution witness.