The Department of State Services (DSS) has officially denied any involvement in the controversial arrest of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu in Kenya, emphasizing that its operational jurisdiction is strictly limited to Nigeria's territorial borders.

This revelation emerged during the cross-examination of a prosecution witness codenamed BBB, an intelligence officer from the DSS, in the ongoing terrorism trial against Kanu.

The defense counsel, Paul Erokoro, questioned the witness about the DSS's operational structure and potential political influence. BBB clarified that the agency operates under the Office of the National Security Adviser and emphasized that the Attorney General does not direct DSS operations.

When questioned about Kanu's return to Nigeria in 2021, the witness confirmed that Kanu had told him he was "kidnapped" from Kenya. However, BBB categorically stated that the DSS lacks the authority to conduct arrests beyond Nigerian borders.

Allegations of Incitement

The DSS witness maintained that Kanu, through his Radio Biafra broadcasts, incited violence, including during the 2020 EndSARS protests. According to BBB, the IPOB leader expressed readiness to establish Biafra "by all means, including war."

The witness linked Kanu's alleged incendiary comments to several violent incidents, including the burning of a police station in Ebonyi State, a Lagos State High Court, and the cargo shed of Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos.

During proceedings, the court admitted as evidence certified true copies of judgments from three fundamental rights enforcement lawsuits instituted by Kanu. These include judgments from the Abia State High Court, Federal High Court (Umuahia Division), and the High Court of Enugu State.

Court Warns Against Live Streaming

Before the cross-examination began, Justice James Omotosho issued a stern warning against the live streaming of court proceedings and the negative use of social media in relation to the trial. The warning was specifically directed at Aloy Ejimakor, a member of the defense team, who allegedly posts court documents and live streams on social media.

Lead counsel for the prosecution, Adegboyega Awomolo, had raised concerns about these practices in a letter to the court, recommending that phones be banned from the courtroom. He described the case as "too serious for anyone to trivialize."

Justice Omotosho emphasized that he had granted accelerated hearing of the case in the interest of all parties, particularly for Kanu, who has been in custody for an extended period. The judge warned Ejimakor that such conduct could warrant disbarment and urged all parties to act professionally.

The case has been adjourned until Thursday, May 22, for the conclusion of the cross-examination of the second prosecution witness.