Nnamdi Kanu, head of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has maintained that his struggle for the liberation of the South East, South South, and portions of Benue and Kogi States is a fundamental right, not an act of terrorism as claimed by the federal government.
In a statement he provided to operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Lagos on October 15, 2015, Kanu asserted that freedom fighting is not a crime in any part of the world, including Nigeria, because it is a basic human right.
The statement, which was presented in open court on Tuesday, April 29, and accepted as an exhibit, disclosed that Kanu was questioned without his lawyer present, in violation of legal standards. He also rejected any connection to violence, stating that he had not been associated with any violent act across the country.
The statement was submitted in court by DSS operatives, and the federal government’s lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Solomon, SAN, requested that it be read publicly. With no opposition from Kanu’s legal team, a DSS operative, currently testifying as the prosecution’s witness—code-named PWAAA—read the statement aloud.
Furthermore, video recordings of Kanu’s interrogation were shown in court, again without objection from the defense. Both the statement and the video clips were accepted as evidence by the trial judge, Justice James Omotosho.
Four suitcases containing items retrieved from the hotel room where Kanu was apprehended on October 15, 2015, were also presented in court and admitted as exhibits. The suitcases reportedly held personal belongings, including Biafra radio equipment.
In both the statement and video clips, Kanu acknowledged that he founded Radio Biafra in London, where it was registered. He admitted not registering the station with Nigeria’s National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), stating that he did not believe it was necessary.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli