The Department of State Services (DSS), which claims that its operations are strictly limited to Nigeria’s borders, has disassociated itself from the contentious arrest of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in Kenya.
This revelation reportedly occurred during the cross-examination of a prosecution witness—a DSS intelligence officer known only by the code name BBB.
BBB was questioned during his testimony on the DSS’s purported involvement in Kanu’s arrest and its capacity to function outside of Nigeria.
He adamantly declared that the DSS only functions inside Nigeria’s borders and that the agency does not have the authority to make arrests outside of it.
BBB refuted claims that it was behind Kanu’s kidnapping in Kenya by stating, “We do not have the powers to effect arrest beyond Nigeria’s borders.” In 2021, Kanu claimed to have been “kidnapped” from Kenya and brought back to Nigeria by force.
The witness went on to explain the DSS’s organizational framework, claiming that it functions independently of political influence and is housed within the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
In response to a question about whether politicians or ministers could have an impact on the DSS, BBB affirmed the agency’s independence by stating that the Attorney General does not oversee its operations.
Regarding intelligence gathering, BBB clarified that the DSS uses a variety of sources, such as social media, human intelligence, and other channels, and that its agents are properly educated to obtain information as required.
After more interrogation, the DSS witness admitted that Kanu’s Radio Biafra broadcasts had incited violence, particularly during the 2020 EndSARS protests. According to BBB, Kanu has indicated that he was willing to use all measures necessary, including violent combat, to achieve the establishment of Biafra.
The witness further emphasized how Kanu’s divisive remarks fueled events like the burning of the Lagos State High Court, a police station in Ebonyi State, and the cargo shed at Lagos’s Murtala Mohammed Airport.
The defense attorney, Paul Erokoro, asked for an adjournment at one point in the proceedings so that they could submit a video clip that they planned to use as evidence.
Nnamdi Kanu filed three lawsuits for the enforcement of fundamental rights in several courts, including the High Court of Enugu State, the Federal High Court in Umuahia, and the Abia State High Court. The court granted the motion and admitted certified true copies of the judgments from these cases.
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Justice James Omotosho, the trial judge, opened the day’s proceedings by issuing a warning about the improper use of social media and live broadcasting of court proceedings.
Aloy Ejimakor, a member of the defense team, was particularly warned by the judge not to disseminate false material on social media.
Kanu Agabi, the lead defense attorney, has expressed concerns regarding the trial’s unlawful live streaming, specifically citing Ejimakor’s conduct. To stop more infractions, Agabi proposed prohibiting cell phones in the courtroom.
Justice Omotosho retorted that the issue is too serious to be trivialized and emphasized the value of professionalism throughout the trial. Additionally, he cautioned Ejimakor that persistent misbehavior might result in disciplinary action, which might include disbarment.
In closing, Justice Omotosho reiterated the importance of a speedy hearing for the benefit of all parties, particularly Nnamdi Kanu, who has been detained for a long time. In order to finish the second prosecution witness’ cross-examination, the case was postponed until Thursday, May 22.
