A Federal High Court in Abuja was informed on Friday, May 2, that Simon Ekpa, a known associate of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is expected to be extradited to Nigeria soon for prosecution.
The disclosure was made by a Department of State Services (DSS) operative, identified as PWAAA, who testified during the continuation of Kanu’s trial. The witness stated that Ekpa would face charges for allegedly aiding Kanu’s pro-Biafra activities.
Under cross-examination by Kanu’s counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), the DSS officer admitted he became aware of Kanu’s supporters through media and social media reports, and that no other individual besides Kanu is currently being prosecuted in connection with the secessionist movement.
The witness also said he had no recollection of Kanu speaking out against corruption or youth unemployment, nor did he recall the IPOB leader apologizing to the President or Igbo leaders. He denied remembering Kanu describing IPOB as peaceful or voluntary. While acknowledging violent incidents across Nigeria, including in the North, the witness claimed he could not directly link the unrest to self-determination efforts.
Recounting Kanu’s 2015 arrest in Lagos, the DSS operative said the IPOB leader was apprehended in a hotel and that items recovered from the scene belonged to him. No weapons or disturbances were associated with the woman arrested alongside Kanu. Though the items were not offensive in themselves, the witness claimed their intended use could imply otherwise. He also admitted that Kanu’s statement was taken without his lawyer present and that he was not responsible for analyzing the items or presenting other witnesses against Kanu.
The court admitted several items recovered from Kanu’s hotel room as evidence. These included electronic gadgets (laptops, modems, phones, microphones, recorders), personal items (wristwatches, shoes, perfumes, bank cards), and documents linked to IPOB. Also submitted were a Nigerian and a British passport, both bearing Kanu’s name.
Justice James Omotosho adjourned the case to May 6, 7, and 8 for the continuation of the hearing.