DSS Denies Involvement in Nnamdi Kanu’s Arrest in Kenya, Says It Has No Powers Outside Nigeria

The Department of State Services (DSS) has distanced itself from the controversial 2021 arrest and extradition of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), asserting that the agency has no jurisdiction to operate outside Nigeria.

This was revealed during the cross-examination of a DSS intelligence officer, code-named BBB, at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The officer testified in the ongoing trial of Kanu, who has repeatedly claimed that he was abducted in Kenya and forcibly returned to Nigeria by state agents.

“We do not have the powers to effect arrest beyond Nigeria’s borders,” BBB said, refuting allegations that the DSS played any role in the controversial operation in Kenya.

DSS Is Not Politically Directed, Witness Testifies

During his testimony, BBB clarified that the DSS is an independent intelligence agency operating under the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA). He emphasized that the agency’s operations are not directed by political actors, including ministers or the Attorney General.

On the subject of intelligence gathering, the witness explained that the DSS draws on human intelligence, social media monitoring, and other channels, with operatives trained to collect relevant information responsibly.

Kanu’s Broadcasts Linked to Violent Acts, DSS Claims

The DSS witness claimed that Kanu’s Radio Biafra broadcasts played a role in inciting violence, including during the #EndSARS protests in 2020. BBB alleged that Kanu openly advocated for the use of armed struggle to achieve the Biafran cause, a stance that reportedly triggered attacks on public infrastructure.

Incidents cited include:

• The burning of a police station in Ebonyi State

• Arson at the Lagos State High Court

• Damage to the cargo shed of the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos

Defence Submits New Evidence; Judge Warns Against Media Misuse

During the proceedings, Paul Erokoro, a member of Kanu’s legal team, requested an adjournment to allow the submission of a video clip as evidence. The court also admitted certified true copies of judgments from earlier fundamental rights lawsuits filed by Kanu in Abia, Umuahia, and Enugu State courts.

Earlier in the session, Justice James Omotosho issued a stern warning against the live streaming of court proceedings and the use of social media to disseminate misleading information. He singled out Aloy Ejimakor, another member of Kanu’s legal team, for allegedly violating court protocol online.

Lead defence counsel, Kanu Agabi, urged the court to ban phones in the courtroom to prevent further breaches. In response, the judge warned that continued misconduct could lead to disciplinary action or disbarment.

“This case is too serious to be trivialised,” Justice Omotosho said, stressing the need for professionalism and a speedy hearing, particularly in light of Kanu’s prolonged detention.

The court adjourned the trial to Thursday, May 22, for the continuation of the cross-examination of the second prosecution witness.