April 29, 2025
…Adjourns trial for cross-examination of FG’s witness
The Federal Government on Tuesday, tendered some evidence in the alleged terrorism charge filed against Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the prescribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The evidence were tendered by the Federal Government’s lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, before Justice James Omotosho through the first prosecution witness and a Department of State Service (DSS) operative, identified as PWAAA.
The witness, who told the court that he had served for about 18 years in service, said he was assigned with some team members to arrest Kanu at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Lagos.
He gave his testimony behind the protective shield.
In the evidence presented before the court, video recordings of Kanu’s interrogation by DSS operatives was played in the open court and the statement he made on Oct. 15, 2015 was also read, where he admitted establishing Radio Biafra in London and registered in London.
In the statement read out in the open court, Kanu said he was interrogated by the DSS without the presence of his lawyer as required by law.
The IPOB leader, in the documentary evidence, admitted not registering the radio station with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) because he felt there was no need for it.
In his statement, he admitted fighting for emancipation of the people of South East, South South and parts of Benue and Kogi.
Kanu, who stated that freedom fighting is not a crime in any part of the world, including Nigeria, said it is a fundamental right.
He claimed not to be involved in any violence because he had not been linked with any.
Four suite cases recovered from Kanu in his hotel room in 2015 were brought to the courtroom and displayed.
The suite cases contained personal belongings of the defendant especially the Biafra Radio equipment.
Kanu’s lawyer, Agabi, did not object to tendering them and Justice Omotosho admitted and marked them as exhibits in the trial.
The court however adjourned the trial of until Friday for cross examination of the Federal Government’s witness.
Justice James Omotosho adjourned the case after the FG’s counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, led the first prosecution witness, identified as PWAAA, in evidence and was discharged from witness box. (NAN)
