Explosive Revelation: DSS Distances Itself From Kanu’s Foreign Capture

The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied any involvement in the controversial arrest of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in Kenya, stating that its operations are strictly limited to Nigerian territory.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This clarification emerged during the cross-examination of a prosecution witness, identified by the code name “BBB,” an intelligence officer with the DSS.

While testifying, the officer was questioned about the agency’s jurisdiction and whether it played any role in Kanu’s alleged abduction outside Nigeria. BBB firmly stated that the DSS does not have the legal authority to conduct arrests beyond the country’s borders.

“We do not have the powers to effect arrests outside Nigeria,” he said, refuting claims of the DSS’s involvement in Kanu’s alleged 2021 abduction from Kenya. Kanu had previously claimed he was “kidnapped” in Kenya and forcibly returned to Nigeria.

The witness further explained the agency’s command structure, clarifying that the DSS operates under the National Security Adviser (NSA) and is not subject to political control.

Responding to whether politicians or government officials can influence DSS operations, BBB confirmed that the Attorney General holds no directive power over the agency, affirming its operational independence.

On intelligence gathering, BBB stated that the DSS collects information from a range of sources, including human informants and social media. He emphasized that operatives are professionally trained to gather intelligence efficiently.

Under cross-examination, the DSS witness linked Nnamdi Kanu’s Radio Biafra broadcasts to incitement of violence, particularly during the 2020 EndSARS protests. BBB alleged that Kanu had expressed readiness to achieve Biafra’s independence by any means necessary, including armed struggle.

He further claimed that Kanu’s inflammatory statements inspired violent incidents, including the burning of a police station in Ebonyi State, the Lagos State High Court, and the cargo terminal of the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos.

At one point during the proceedings, defence counsel Paul Erokoro sought an adjournment to submit a video clip as part of the evidence. The court granted the request and admitted certified true copies of judgments from previous fundamental rights enforcement cases Kanu filed in Abia State, Umuahia, and Enugu.

The day’s hearing began with a stern warning from Justice James Omotosho, who cautioned against the live streaming of court proceedings and the dissemination of misleading information on social media. He specifically warned defence lawyer Aloy Ejimakor over inappropriate posts related to the trial.

Lead defence counsel Kanu Agabi also expressed concern about the illegal streaming of the trial, suggesting that mobile phones be banned from the courtroom. Justice Omotosho emphasized the seriousness of the case, warning that any continued misconduct could result in disciplinary action, including potential disbarment.

He concluded the session by calling for a speedy trial, noting that Nnamdi Kanu has been in custody for an extended period. The case was adjourned to Thursday, May 22, for continuation of the cross-examination of the second prosecution witness.

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