Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected confessional statements the federal government attempted to tender as evidence against him.
The prosecution, through a DSS officer serving as its third witness, had presented videos and documents it claimed were Kanu’s statements. But Kanu’s lawyer, Paul Erokoro, objected — arguing the statements were made under duress.
Following a trial-within-trial to determine whether the statements were voluntary, Justice James Omotosho ruled that while the video showed no signs of coercion, the court could not ignore Kanu’s repeated claims that he was interrogated without legal representation.
The judge cited a Supreme Court decision which makes the presence of a lawyer during the extraction of statements mandatory, describing it as a fundamental right.
On that basis, he ruled the statements inadmissible, overturning their earlier admission. But the prosecution wasn’t done.
Shortly after the ruling, a new video — titled “Interview with Sahara TV” — was admitted into evidence.
In the clip, Kanu was heard making remarks, describing Nigeria as a zoo, threatening violence, and accusing several prominent Igbo leaders of betrayal and murder.
He named Ike Nwachukwu, Jim Nwobodo, Peter Obi, and Rochas Okorocha among others, accusing them of harming the Igbo cause — and even threatened that if Biafra wasn’t granted, the chaos would be worse than Somalia.
Under cross-examination, the DSS officer admitted he didn’t verify the claims made by Kanu. He said his job was only to confirm if Kanu granted the interview — and according to him, the IPOB leader did.
The case has now been adjourned to June 13, 16, 17, 18, and 19 for continuation of trial.
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