DSS Denies Involvement in Nnamdi Kanu’s Arrest in Kenya
The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied participating in the arrest and rendition of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), from Kenya to Nigeria in 2021.
During cross-examination at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, a DSS intelligence officer, code-named Mr BBB, told the court that the DSS operates strictly within Nigeria’s territorial borders and has no authority to make arrests abroad.
Responding to questions from defence counsel Paul Erokoro, Mr BBB also clarified that the DSS is under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and not directed by politicians or the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The witness alleged that Kanu, through Radio Biafra, incited violent acts, including during the #EndSARS protests, which led to the burning of public facilities such as a police station in Ebonyi, a Lagos State High Court, and part of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport.
Mr BBB acknowledged Kanu’s claim that he was “kidnapped” from Kenya, but stressed the DSS was not involved in such cross-border operations.
Earlier, the court warned Aloy Ejimakor, a member of Kanu’s legal team, against live-streaming court proceedings or posting sensitive documents online. Justice James Omotosho cautioned that such unprofessional conduct could lead to sanctions, including disbarment.
The court admitted certified judgments from Kanu’s human rights cases in Abia, Umuahia, and Enugu as evidence and adjourned the trial to Thursday, May 22, for the continuation of cross-examination.
