Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that he established Radio Biafra to promote truth, peace, and the defence of fundamental human rights.
Kanu made the remarks in a video recording of his interrogation by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). The footage was played in open court on Tuesday during the ongoing trial where he is facing charges of terrorism and treasonable felony.
At the resumed hearing, prosecution counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) informed the court that he had filed an ex parte motion dated April 10, requesting the protection of the identities of prosecution witnesses.
“The essence is for the safety and security of state officers who would be part of the witnesses,” Awomolo said.
Justice James Omotosho granted the application after the defence, led by Kanu Agabi (SAN), raised no objections.
Subsequently, the first prosecution witness—codenamed “AAA” for anonymity—was called to the stand. AAA, a DSS operative, testified that Kanu was arrested on October 15, 2015, at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Lagos. He said several broadcasting devices found in Kanu’s room were confiscated.
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In the video played in court, Kanu admitted to founding Radio Biafra and said it was duly registered in the United Kingdom. However, he acknowledged that broadcasting in Nigeria without approval from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) was illegal.
“The station is funded by supporters from different parts of the world, and I render public accounts to the UK government,” Kanu stated in the footage.
He also claimed that during his interrogation, DSS operatives denied him access to legal representation, contrary to constitutional provisions.
All exhibits presented through the witness were admitted into evidence by the court.
Kanu was re-arraigned on March 21, 2025, before Justice Omotosho on terrorism-related charges brought by the federal government.