A witness in the ongoing trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has alleged that a broadcast made by the separatist leader led to the killing of former presidential aide, Mr. Ahmed Gulak.
Testifying before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, the Department of State Services (DSS) operative, identified only as PW-BBB, told the court that Gulak, who previously served under ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, was murdered in Imo State on May 30, 2021, shortly after Kanu, in a broadcast, ordered his followers to deal with anyone who disobeyed a sit-at-home directive issued by IPOB.
Led in evidence by the Federal Government’s lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, the DSS operative testified behind a protective screen and claimed that Kanu’s broadcasts incited widespread violence and unrest in the South East region. According to him, Kanu had admitted during a recorded interview session with the DSS that he founded IPOB, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), and the unlicensed Radio Biafra.
PW-BBB further alleged that Kanu’s broadcasts were inflammatory and directly incited attacks on security agents and government facilities. He cited incidents such as the burning of a Lagos High Court and government-owned buses, claiming that those acts were carried out following Kanu’s directives. The witness added that Kanu not only ordered attacks on the police and military but also instructed that they be beheaded—an act that was allegedly carried out against a police officer.
The witness also told the court that Kanu’s agitation for Biafra involved secessionist plans to separate the South East, South South, and parts of Benue and Kogi states from Nigeria, adding that Kanu called for the establishment of the Biafran state “by any means possible, including war.”
However, a video recording played in open court featured Kanu denying responsibility for any violent acts. He maintained that IPOB is a non-violent organization and denied any links to the destruction witnessed during the #EndSARS protests, particularly in Lagos, a region he said was not part of Biafran territory.
In the video, Kanu also recounted how the Nigerian Army allegedly invaded his home in 2017, killing at least 28 people. He claimed he had been granted bail and was at home when the attack occurred, describing the military operation as unprovoked and unnecessary.
When asked about his leadership of IPOB, Kanu said he led the group by discussing Biafran agitation and referencing Nigerian laws, particularly those concerning self-determination. He denied knowledge of attacks on police stations and correctional facilities in the South East and insisted that IPOB was not involved in any criminal activities.
Kanu also stated that he was not arrested but kidnapped by security operatives, and he did not incite resistance even after the death of his parents.
Meanwhile, Kanu’s lawyer, Mr. Paul Erokoro, SAN, challenged the admissibility of the video evidence and requested an adjournment to allow for further consultations with the defence team.
Justice Omotosho, following consensus by both parties, adjourned the case to May 14, 21, and 22 for continued hearing.
