The Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday presented shocking testimony in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), accusing him of orchestrating a series of violent attacks across the country, including the burning of a Lagos court and the brutal beheading of police officers.
During proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the second prosecution witness, identified only as codenamed “BBB,” claimed that Kanu’s inflammatory broadcasts on the unlicensed Radio Biafra were directly responsible for inciting violence. This included the killing of security personnel and destruction of public property. The witness, a DSS operative, testified that Kanu ordered attacks such as the burning of a Lagos High Court and government buses, as well as the beheading of police and army officers.
“He ordered the burning of a Lagos High Court and government buses. He called for the beheading of police and army officers,” said the DSS operative, recounting his investigation into Kanu’s activities. The witness further alleged that Kanu was the founder of both IPOB and its paramilitary wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), which the government claims was used to carry out violent operations under Kanu’s command. He said that Kanu’s calls for violence through Radio Biafra included orders for “war” in pursuit of Biafra’s secession.
The prosecution also presented audio recordings in which Kanu allegedly incited attacks and enforced his controversial sit-at-home orders, claims which he strongly denies. The recordings were cited as evidence by the prosecution, who argued that Kanu’s broadcasts fueled violence and led to the deaths of several individuals, including a police officer who was allegedly beheaded.
The DSS linked Kanu directly to the murders, including the infamous May 2022 killing of Ahmed Gulak, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan. The witness added that the IPOB leader’s orders also led to the deaths of an army couple, Gloria Matthew and Linus Musa, and the brutal assassination of a retired judge.
The court was shown video evidence that allegedly depicted attacks on police stations and the decapitation of officers. However, the defense team led by Kanu’s counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), challenged the admissibility of the video evidence, seeking additional time for consultation.
Under cross-examination, Kanu maintained that he did not order any killings, insisting that IPOB is a peaceful separatist movement that seeks self-determination through a referendum. He acknowledged giving sit-at-home directives, but explained that his remarks were meant as symbolic threats, similar to a parent telling their child, “I will kill you,” without meaning it literally.
Kanu further explained that the ESN was created as a defense against the violent incursions of armed herders into southeastern communities, citing incidents such as the Nimbo and Uzo Uwani attacks. He also claimed that he was peacefully pursuing political solutions to Biafra’s quest for independence until the military invaded his home in 2017, killing 28 people. He accused those who ordered the attack on his residence of being the true enemies.
The defense team is now preparing to argue the admissibility of the evidence as the trial continues. Justice James Omotosho adjourned the case to May 14, 21, and 22 for further hearings.
This trial continues to bring significant attention to the ongoing tensions between Nigeria’s federal government and secessionist groups like IPOB. It remains to be seen how the court will weigh the evidence and the conflicting claims made by both sides.
