The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has alleged that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) coerced him into making confessional statements following his 2015 arrest.
Kanu made the claim on Wednesday during a trial-within-a-trial session, after the prosecution presented its third witness, identified only by the initials “CCC”. The witness, like two previous ones, testified that he was part of the DSS team that interrogated Kanu in 2015.
According to CCC, Kanu was interviewed by DSS operatives on October 21, 22, 23, and 24, and again on November 4. He said each session was recorded, and that Kanu provided written statements afterward. The prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), tendered two video Compact Discs (CDs) of the interviews and three copies of the alleged statements as evidence.
Although the defence initially did not object to the admission of the materials, one of Kanu’s lawyers, Paul Erokoro (SAN), later raised concerns. Erokoro informed the court that his client had disclosed the statements were made under duress. He alleged that DSS operatives denied Kanu access to legal counsel, threatened to withhold bail, and used his medical needs to apply pressure.
In response, Justice James Omotosho ordered a trial-within-a-trial to determine the voluntariness of the statements.
During the session, the DSS witness maintained that Kanu made the statements of his own free will. When questioned, he confirmed he never personally entered Kanu’s cell but was familiar with those who had access to him. Erokoro challenged this, suggesting that a DSS officer identified as Mr. Brown could have made threats without CCC’s knowledge. The witness responded by saying such actions were not standard DSS procedures.
Kanu, testifying in the special hearing, described how he was chained, blindfolded, and flown out of Lagos without knowing his destination. Upon arrival in Abuja, he said he was placed in solitary confinement without any light. He alleged that Mr. Brown, said to be an assistant director of investigations, warned him to comply during interrogations or risk indefinite confinement under harsh conditions.
Kanu stated that his health began to deteriorate due to the isolation, leading to nosebleeds. A medical officer reportedly recommended he be allowed one hour of fresh air daily. He claimed Mr. Brown used this privilege as leverage, threatening to revoke it unless he cooperated.
During cross-examination, Kanu maintained that parts of the video interviews played in court were edited and reiterated that he was compelled to write the statements.
Following his testimony, the trial-within-a-trial was concluded. Justice Omotosho directed both parties to file and adopt their final written addresses by 9 a.m. on May 29.
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