DSS Operative: No Weapons Found on Nnamdi Kanu During Arrest, Court Hears

In an unexpected turn of events at the Federal High Court in Abuja, a Department of State Service (DSS) operative known only as PWAAA testified that no weapons of terrorism or violence were discovered on Biafra nation agitator Nnamdi Kanu during his arrest in Lagos on October 15, 2015.

This revelation calls into question the government’s initial justification for Kanu’s detention and subsequent charges.

During his testimony, PWAAA, a DSS witness, confirmed, under cross-examination by Kanu’s lawyer, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), that the items recovered from Kanu’s hotel room, including a slew of electronic devices and personal belongings, were IPOB personal effects.

He also stated that the DSS did not analyse any of the items because their primary goal was to arrest Kanu and obtain his statement.

“While the recovered items may not appear inherently offensive,” PWAAA stated, “the defendant’s intent may differ.”

This statement implies that the prosecution is relying on speculative intent rather than concrete evidence of terrorist activity involving the confiscated items.

Adding to the intrigue, the witness admitted that Kanu’s statement was obtained without the presence of his lawyer, calling into question the evidence’s validity and admissibility.

The sheer number of items recovered from Kanu’s room, ranging from laptops and tablets to perfumes and wristwatches, paints a picture of a man involved in communication and possibly broadcasting, but not necessarily in violent acts.

The list, which reads more like an inventory of personal technology and accessories than an arsenal, includes a variety of phones, modems, adaptors, and even a mini drone sound wave speaker.

Furthermore, PWAAA testified that he analysed Kanu’s cell phone, but the results of this analysis were deemed “irrelevant” and were not presented in court.

He also admitted that no one was brought before Kanu to confront him with specific allegations of terrorism.

This testimony raises a few important questions:

If no weapons were found, what was the immediate reason for Kanu’s arrest on terrorism charges?
Why was the cell phone analysis deemed “irrelevant,” and what did it include?

PWAAA’s testimony could have a significant impact on the ongoing trial. During the continued cross-examination scheduled for May 6, 7, and 8, the defence is expected to capitalise on Kanu’s apparent lack of concrete evidence linking him to acts of terrorism or violence.

This case remains a lightning rod for political tensions in Nigeria, and the latest development is sure to fuel more debate and scrutiny of the government’s handling of Biafra separatist movements.