DSS Denies Role in Nnamdi Kanu’s Arrest and Rendition from Kenya
posted 21st May 2025
DSS Denies Role in Nnamdi Kanu’s Arrest and Rendition from Kenya
The Department of State Services (DSS) has categorically denied any involvement in the arrest and rendition of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), from Kenya to Nigeria in 2021. The agency clarified that its operations are strictly confined to Nigeria’s territorial borders and it lacks the authority to effect arrests abroad.
This revelation emerged during the cross-examination of a DSS intelligence officer, identified only as BBB, at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday. The witness was questioned by Paul Erokoro, representing Kanu’s defence team, in the ongoing trial of the IPOB leader. Responding to queries, BBB disclosed that Kanu had informed him he was “kidnapped” from Kenya and forcibly returned to Nigeria. The officer firmly rejected allegations that the DSS orchestrated the operation, reiterating the agency’s jurisdictional limitations.
The witness further addressed claims of external influence on the DSS, stating that the agency operates under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and is not directed by politicians, ministers, or the Attorney-General of the Federation. On intelligence-gathering methods, BBB noted that the DSS employs diverse sources, including human intelligence and social media monitoring, with operatives trained to acquire information efficiently.
During the cross-examination, BBB accused Kanu of inciting violence through his Radio Biafra broadcasts, alleging that his comments fuelled unrest during the 2020 EndSARS protests. The witness claimed Kanu’s rhetoric contributed to attacks on a police station in Ebonyi State, a Lagos State High Court, and the cargo shed at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos. BBB further stated that Kanu had expressed a willingness to achieve Biafra “by all means, including waging a war.”
The court admitted certified true copies of judgements from three fundamental rights enforcement lawsuits filed by Kanu at the Abia State High Court, the Federal High Court in Umuahia, and the High Court of Enugu State as evidence. Meanwhile, Erokoro requested an adjournment to prepare a video clip the defence intends to tender, with the court granting the request.
Lead defence counsel Kanu Agabi raised concerns about a letter from the prosecution’s lead counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, highlighting illegal live-streaming. Agabi suggested banning phones in the courtroom, describing the case as “too serious” for trivialisation.Justice Omotosho, who granted an accelerated hearing to expedite the trial given Kanu’s prolonged detention, urged all parties to act professionally and avoid misconduct. He warned Ejimakor that further infractions could lead to severe consequences, including potential debarring from the case.
The proceedings were adjourned to Thursday, 22 May, for the continuation of the cross-examination of the second prosecution witness.
