General News of Tuesday, 6 May 2025

Source: www.guardian.ng

Nnamdi Kanu targeted Benue, Kogi to join Biafra - DSS witness

Nnamdi Kanu Nnamdi Kanu

An official of the Department of State Services (DSS) has said the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, wanted the secession of the five South East states, parts of Kogi and Benue states, from the rest of Nigeria.

The official, who identified as BBB, said this while testifying as the second prosecution witness (PW2) in Kanu's ongoing terrorism trial before Justice James Omotosho.

Testifying behind a screen provided by the court, he said Kanu confirmed his activities while giving his statement, adding that the defendant's statement-taking session was recorded on video.

BBB was led in evidence by prosecuting lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), who showed him a copy of a compact disc, which he identified as containing the recording of his interaction with Kanu.

Awomolo then applied to tender the letter from the AGF, the disc, and a certificate of compliance.

But, lawyer to the defence, Kanu Agabi (SAN) objected to the prosecution's application to tender the items, arguing that the defence was not served with the AGF letter and the video recording.

Agabi said it was part of the right of the defendant to be given copies of all documents and materials that the prosecution planned to rely on in prosecuting the case.

Awomolo said he was ready to furnish the defendant with all the necessary documents and materials that the prosecution wishes to rely on.

Ruling, Justice James Omotosho held that the defence was entitled to all the documents and materials the prosecution planned to rely on.

Justice Omotosho proceeded to order the prosecution to, in line with the provision of Section 36 of the Constitution, serve on the defendant all facilities, including documents that it intends to rely on to prosecute the case.

Upon an application by Awomolo, Justice Omotosho adjourned till May 7 to enable the prosecution to serve the defence with all the necessary documents and for the PW 2 to continue his testimony.