Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has asserted that his campaign for the self-determination of the South East, South South, and parts of Benue and Kogi States is a fundamental human right—not an act of terrorism as alleged by the federal government.
In a statement given to Department of State Services (DSS) operatives in Lagos on October 15, 2015, and read in open court on Tuesday, April 29, Kanu argued that freedom fighting is recognized globally as a legitimate human right, including under Nigerian law. He denied any involvement in violence and maintained that he had never been linked to any violent activity in the country.
The statement, which was admitted as an exhibit, revealed that Kanu was interrogated without legal representation, in breach of legal procedure. It was read aloud in court by a DSS operative currently testifying under the code name PWAAA, following a request by the government’s lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Solomon, SAN. Kanu’s legal team did not oppose the move.
In addition to the statement, video recordings of Kanu’s interrogation were played in court and similarly admitted as evidence without objection. The trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, accepted both the statement and the video clips into the court record.
Four suitcases containing items recovered from Kanu’s hotel room during his arrest in 2015 were also presented and admitted as exhibits. Among the contents were personal belongings and equipment used to operate Radio Biafra.
In both his written and recorded statements, Kanu acknowledged founding Radio Biafra in London, where it is registered. He also admitted that the station was not registered with Nigeria’s National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), explaining that he did not believe such registration was necessary.