FG witness reveals how Nnamdi Kanu was arrested with woman in Lagos hotel

The Federal Government on Tuesday opened its case against Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), revealing details of his 2015 arrest in a Lagos hotel where he was allegedly found with a young woman and broadcasting equipment.

The first prosecution witness, identified only as AAA—an 18-year Department of State Services (DSS) veteran—testified behind a screen at the Federal High Court in Abuja. He stated that Kanu was arrested on October 14, 2015, at the Golden Tulip Hotel near Lagos International Airport.

Justice James Omotosho had earlier granted the government’s request to shield the witnesses’ identities, citing the case’s sensitivity.

AAA recounted how DSS agents, unable to locate Kanu via the hotel’s guest list, conducted a room-by-room search and found him in Room 303 with a woman later identified as Maria Ibezimakor.

“Kanu initially resisted arrest and even headbutted one of our officers,” the witness said, adding that the room contained sophisticated radio equipment, allegedly used for Radio Biafra broadcasts.

The equipment was seized and taken to the DSS office in Lagos, where Kanu reportedly signed a document acknowledging ownership. The next day, he was interrogated, and the recorded session—played in open court—was admitted into evidence.

In the footage, Kanu admitted founding and operating Radio Biafra without a Nigerian broadcast licence. He said he knew it was illegal but claimed he would not have received a licence even if he applied.

He described himself as a freedom fighter advocating for the emancipation of people from the South-East, South-South, and Middle Belt regions, citing the right to self-determination under the United Nations Charter. He denied any involvement in violence.

Kanu also confirmed his role as a communication engineer and revealed that Radio Biafra had personnel in the US, Russia, Italy, and Sweden, but not in Nigeria. He said Nigerians voluntarily spread the station’s messages.

The court also heard that a request from the defence, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kanu Agabi, to allow 22 lawyers was denied. Justice Omotosho insisted on the previously approved limit of 13.

Other members of the defence team include Audu Nunghe, Joseph Akubo, Emeka Etiaba, and Onyechi Ikpeazu.