The trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, resumed today at the Federal High Court in Abuja, with Justice James Omotosho presiding.
The court granted the Federal Government’s request for prosecution witnesses to testify behind screens for security reasons, a decision made during an earlier ex parte application.
At the hearing, Kanu’s defense team, led by Kanu Agabi, informed the court of their 22-member team, but the judge limited the approved number to the 13 previously listed.
Four senior advocates, Audu Nunghe, Joseph Akubo, Emeka Etiaba, and Onyechi Ikpeazu, have joined the defense.
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The Federal Government’s counsel, Adegboyega Awolowo, stated that their application for witness protection was due to the sensitive nature of the case.
The first witness, identified as AAA, a 18-year veteran of the Department of State Services (DSS), testified from behind a screen.
He recounted his assignment on October 14, 2015, to arrest Kanu at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Lagos, along with other team members.
AAA stated that Kanu was taken to the DSS command in Lagos, and an inventory of items from his room was made, which Kanu signed.
He detailed the arrest, stating that the receptionist initially denied Kanu was a guest. However, a room-to-room search, authorized by their director, led them to Kanu in room 303 with a woman named Maria Ibezimakor around 11 pm.
According to AAA, Kanu resisted arrest and headbutted a DSS officer. The room allegedly resembled a broadcasting studio with various broadcasting equipment ready for use.
All the equipment was packed, listed at the DSS office in Lagos, and Kanu confirmed their ownership and completeness. AAA identified the list in court, and it was admitted as evidence.
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