The Department of State Services (DSS) has officially denied any involvement in the controversial arrest of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in Kenya.
The clarification came on Wednesday during cross-examination of a prosecution witness, identified only as BBB, an intelligence officer from the DSS, who emphasized that the agency's operations are strictly limited to Nigeria's territorial borders.
"We are a domestic intelligence agency. We do not operate outside Nigeria. If he were arrested in Kenya, we would not be responsible," the DSS operative stated when questioned about the legality of Kanu's arrest.
The revelation emerged during proceedings related to terrorism-related charges brought against Kanu by the Federal Government. The cross-examination was conducted by Paul Erokoro (SAN), representing defence lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN).
During questioning, the DSS witness also admitted he had not personally listened to Radio Biafra broadcasts directly but maintained that intelligence gathered by other officers assigned to monitor the station was credible.
Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in custody since his controversial return to Nigeria in 2021, continues to face terrorism-related charges. His arrest in Kenya and subsequent repatriation has been a subject of intense legal debate, with his legal team challenging the circumstances surrounding his detention.
The IPOB leader's case has drawn significant attention both domestically and internationally, with various human rights organizations questioning the legality of his arrest and extradition process.
The trial continues as both prosecution and defense teams present their arguments before the Federal High Court.
