Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial: DSS Witness Admits No Weapon Found, Judge Sets May 8 Deadline for Verdict

In a heated cross-examination during the ongoing trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, defense counsel Agabi pressed a Department of State Services (DSS) witness on the validity of claims against the IPOB leader. The session, held at the Federal High Court, revealed contradictions and raised questions about the strength of the prosecution’s case.

The DSS witness admitted that no weapons or instruments of violence were found on Kanu at the time of his 2015 arrest in Lagos. Furthermore, he acknowledged that Kanu’s interrogation was conducted without a lawyer present and that he could not personally confirm if any IPOB member had ever been prosecuted.

Agabi, during his cross-examination, highlighted the widespread insecurity in other parts of the country such as Zamfara, Benue, Kaduna, and Plateau, asking if these were linked to separatist agitations. The witness confirmed they were not.

The court also heard that IPOB’s message was largely directed at the South-East and South-South regions—areas that are constitutionally governed, receive federal allocations, and have security institutions in place. When asked if people from these regions blindly follow Kanu’s directives, the witness admitted, “Some do,” but conceded he had no evidence to support the claim.

Agabi reminded the court that South-Easterners serve in the military, DSS, police, and have held top positions such as the Inspector General of Police, and none have been convicted of terrorism or separatism.

When asked if the DSS had proof that Kanu directly ordered any criminal activity, the witness stated, “Personally, no, but the service has such videos.”

The presiding judge expressed dissatisfaction with the prolonged nature of the case.

“This matter has dragged for 10 years. I want it concluded by May 8, 2025. We will give account for our actions in this world, and I want to give a good one,” he said.

The case has been adjourned to May 6th, 7th, and 8th, 2025.