DSS reveals how Nnamdi Kanu was arrested in Ikeja Hotel Lagos
DSS reveals how Nnamdi Kanu was arrested in Ikeja Hotel Lagos
Following his secret entry into Nigeria in 2015, Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) at a hotel in Lagos.
Details of the arrest were revealed by an unnamed DSS agent, known only as PWAAA, who testified as the first prosecution witness in Kanu’s terrorism trial.
PWAAA, speaking behind a screen for security reasons, described how, on October 15, 2015, a group of eight DSS agents conducted a room-by-room search at a hotel in Ikeja after receiving information that Kanu had checked in using a different name that was not on the hotel’s records.
During the search, the operatives found various items in Kanu’s possession, including IPOB pamphlets, complementary cards, laptops, phones, microphones, flash drives, perfumes, ATM cards, and a wristwatch.
These items, which were brought to court in four separate suites, were presented and accepted as evidence by Justice James Omotosho.
The witness further testified that Kanu’s interrogation, which was recorded, showed him admitting to being the founder and leader of IPOB.
Kanu also acknowledged establishing Radio Biafra in London, stating he had not registered it with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) because he saw no need to do so.
In his interrogation, Kanu claimed that his actions were aimed at securing the liberation of the Southeast, Southsouth, and parts of Benue and Kogi, emphasizing that freedom fighting was a fundamental right, not a crime, and denying involvement in violence.
The court also viewed the recorded video of Kanu’s interrogation, where he reiterated his stance on fighting for the people’s freedom without engaging in violence.
Before the testimony began, the court approved a request from the Federal Government to allow witnesses to testify anonymously, with their identities concealed for security reasons.
The defence, represented by lead counsel Kanu Agabi (SAN), did not oppose the motion.
Justice Omotosho granted the request and limited the number of observers in the courtroom to 20, primarily family members. Over 30 individuals had applied to observe the trial, including activist Omoyele Sowore, who was denied access.
The trial is set to resume on Friday for the cross-examination of the witness.
