A Department of State Services (DSS) operative testified Wednesday that detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu confessed to issuing death threats against President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike during interrogation.
The second prosecution witness, identified only as “BBB” for security reasons, told Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court that Kanu confirmed making seven inciting broadcasts between 2020-2021, including:
- A December 2020 directive declaring Wike “deserves to die” and placing a ₦100 million bounty on him
- An October 2020 call for followers to “burn Tinubu’s hotels” during #EndSARS protests
- Repeated orders to attack security personnel
The court admitted into evidence flash drives containing the recordings, which were played publicly. In one clip, Kanu justified establishing the Eastern Security Network (ESN) as a regional vigilante group while threatening governors who oppose IPOB.
“Tinubu is a traitor who must be taught a lesson,” Kanu allegedly stated in the October broadcast. “Kill police officers, burn his properties – don’t let him escape.”
The witness revealed Kanu acknowledged these broadcasts during July 2021 questioning after his extradition. Defense counsel Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN) objected to the evidence’s admissibility, arguing procedural irregularities, but the judge overruled.
This testimony comes as security agencies grapple with rising violence in the Southeast allegedly linked to IPOB factions. The case adjourns to May 14 for cross-examination of the DSS operative.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga declined comment, citing the sub judice rule, while Wike’s office maintained the minister “trusts Nigeria’s judicial system to deliver justice.” Human rights groups have raised concerns about the trial’s fairness given Kanu’s extraordinary rendition from Kenya in 2021.
