Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has told the court that his campaign for the self-determination of the South East, South South, and parts of Benue and Kogi States is a constitutionally protected right—not an act of terrorism, as alleged by the federal government.
In a statement made to operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Lagos on October 15, 2015, Kanu asserted that freedom fighting is a universally recognized human right and is not a crime under Nigerian or international law.
The statement, which was read in open court on Tuesday, April 29, was admitted as an exhibit. It revealed that Kanu was interrogated by DSS agents without legal representation, contrary to established legal procedures. He also denied any involvement in violent activities, maintaining that he has never been linked to any act of violence anywhere in the country.
The prosecution, led by Chief Adegboyega Solomon, SAN, requested the public reading of the statement by a DSS operative currently serving as a prosecution witness, identified as PWAAA. Kanu’s legal team did not object.
The court also viewed video recordings of Kanu’s interrogation, which were played without objection from the defense. Justice James Omotosho admitted both the statement and video footage into evidence.
In addition, four suitcases recovered from the hotel room where Kanu was arrested on October 15, 2015, were brought before the court and admitted as exhibits. The contents reportedly included personal items and equipment used for broadcasting Radio Biafra.
During the interrogation, Kanu confirmed that he founded Radio Biafra in London, where it was legally registered. He acknowledged that the station was not licensed by Nigeria’s National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), arguing that he did not consider such registration necessary since the station was based abroad.
