Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja on May 28, 2025, as his trial resumed. The proceedings focused on a “trial within trial” to assess the admissibility of statements he made during his 2015 detention by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Kanu testified that his statements were obtained under duress, alleging that DSS officers threatened him to cooperate. He described being blindfolded, chained, and held in solitary confinement without light. He claimed that a DSS officer, Mr. Brown, warned him that non-cooperation would result in continued harsh conditions, including the denial of daily fresh air breaks recommended by a DSS doctor due to his heart condition.
The prosecution presented video recordings and written statements from Kanu’s 2015 interviews, asserting they were made voluntarily. Kanu countered that the videos were edited and showed DSS officers directing his statements. The court scheduled a ruling on the admissibility of these statements for May 29, 2025.
Previously, the trial faced delays, including the recusal of Justice Binta Nyako in 2024, leading to the reassignment of the case to Justice James Omotosho. Kanu has been in DSS custody since his arrest in Kenya in June 2021 and faces charges related to alleged terrorism and incitement through his broadcasts.
The court has set additional hearing dates for June 6, 16, 18, and 19, 2025, to continue the proceedings.
