IPOB: Freedom fighting is my fundamental right, Nnamdi Kanu tells court

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has insisted that his fight for the emancipation of the South East, South South, and parts of Benue and Kogi States is a fundamental right—not an act of terrorism as alleged by the federal government.

In a statement he made to operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Lagos on October 15, 2015, Kanu argued that freedom fighting is not a crime in any part of the world, including Nigeria, because it is a basic human right.

The statement which was read in open court on Tuesday , April 29, and admitted as an exhibit, revealed that Kanu was interrogated without the presence of his lawyer, contrary to legal requirements. He also denied any involvement in violence, stating that he had not been linked to any violent act across the country.

The statement was presented in court by DSS operatives, and the federal government’s lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Solomon, SAN, requested that it be read publicly. With no objection from Kanu’s legal team, a DSS operative currently testifying as the prosecution’s witness—code-named PWAAA—read the statement aloud.

Additionally, video recordings of Kanu’s interrogation were played in court, again without objection from the defense. Both the statement and the video clips were admitted as evidence by the trial judge, Justice James Omotosho.

Four suitcases containing items recovered from the hotel room where Kanu was arrested on October 15, 2015 were also brought to court and admitted as exhibits. The suitcases reportedly contained personal belongings, including Biafra radio equipment.

In both the statement and video clips, Kanu confirmed that he established Radio Biafra in London, where it was registered. He admitted not registering the station with Nigeria’s National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), stating that he did not believe it was necessary.