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Abuja, April 30, 2025 – The Federal Government has initiated its treason case against Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The Department of State Services (DSS) provided testimony on the circumstances surrounding Kanu’s arrest, while the court approved measures to protect the identities of prosecution witnesses.
During the proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, a DSS operative, identified as PWAAA, testified behind a screen to maintain anonymity. The operative recounted leading the team that apprehended Kanu on October 14, 2015, at the Golden Tulip Hotel near Lagos International Airport upon his return from the United Kingdom. The court admitted into evidence both Kanu’s statement and video recordings of his interrogation by the DSS. (Treason Charge: How we arrested IPoB leader, Kanu, DSS tells court)
Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the case, granted the prosecution’s request to shield the identities of its witnesses, citing security concerns. This decision aligns with the court’s earlier approval of the Federal Government’s application to protect witness identities in the trial.
Kanu faces a seven-count charge of treasonable felony, to which he has pleaded not guilty. The trial, which has experienced multiple delays and judicial reassignments, continues to draw significant attention.
In response to the court proceedings, IPOB criticized the Federal Government’s approach, alleging bias and a lack of fairness in the judicial process. The group expressed concerns over the treatment of its leader and the implications for justice and human rights.
The trial is set to resume on Friday, with Kanu’s legal team expected to cross-examine the DSS witness.
For ongoing coverage of this developing story, stay tuned to NYCPC News.