May 08, (THEWILL) – Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has denied any involvement in the October 2020 #EndSARS protests and the violence that followed in Lagos State.
Kanu, who is currently facing a seven-count amended charge bordering on treason and terrorism brought by the Federal Government, made the denial during the resumed hearing of his trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday.
At the proceedings, the prosecution led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Adegboyega Awomolo, called its second witness, identified only as BBB—a Department of State Services (DSS) operative—who continued his testimony against the IPOB leader.
A video was played in court showing Kanu being interviewed by DSS operatives on July 17, 2021, at their headquarters in Abuja.
In the footage, Kanu was asked whether he was aware that his October 20, 2020, broadcast allegedly incited violence, killings, and destruction of public property during the #EndSARS protests in Lagos.
Responding, Kanu distanced himself from the events in Lagos, saying: “Lagos is not part of Biafra, so I cannot be held responsible for what happened there. I swear in the name of the God who created heaven and earth—I had no hand in the riots or destruction that occurred during #EndSARS. If I had the kind of control people claim, I wouldn’t be advocating for a referendum. I would have simply declared Biafra.”
Justice James Omotosho adjourned the matter to May 14, 21, and 22 for the continuation of trial.
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