Treason: FG Presents Evidence Against Kanu as Trial Resumes

The Federal Government has resumed the prosecution of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), over allegations of treason.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, the government’s prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), submitted a statement Kanu made to the Department of State Services (DSS) on October 15, 2015, following his initial arrest in Lagos, along with four suitcases retrieved from his hotel room.

A DSS prosecution witness read the statement aloud in court, and a video recording was also played. This followed Kanu’s claim that the statement had been taken without his lawyers present.

In the statement, Kanu asserted to DSS officials that “the agitation for self-determination is not a crime anywhere in the world,” and emphasized his commitment to “continue the struggle to emancipate the South East, South South and parts of Benue and Kogi states.”

He also denied participating in any violent acts within the country, maintaining that he had never been associated with such incidents.

The video clips presented in court showed Kanu confirming that he founded Radio Biafra in London, where it was officially registered. He acknowledged that he did not register the station with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), stating there was “no need for it.”

Additionally, the court was shown the contents of the four suitcases, which included Kanu’s personal items and equipment related to Radio Biafra.

Presiding over the case, Justice James Omotosho approved a request to keep the identities of the prosecution witnesses confidential. The judge granted the ex parte application submitted by Awomolo, who cited security concerns due to the case’s connection to terrorism.

Defence counsel Kanu Agabi (SAN) did not oppose the motion but requested that the Federal Government show similar consideration when addressing his client’s bail application.