On Friday, May 2, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja was told that Simon Ekpa, deputy leader of the banned indigenous peoples of Nnamdi Kanu, will soon be extradited to Nigeria.
The revelation comes from a State Department of Services (DSS) official identified as PWAAA, who testified during Kanu’s ongoing trial. Witnesses said EKPA will be brought back to trial for allegedly supporting Kanu’s biological motivation.
Under cross-examination by Kanu’s attorney Kanu Agabi (SAN), DSS agent admitted that he was only aware that others supported Kanu through media reports and social media. He said he hadn’t realized anyone else except that Kanu was currently being prosecuted for excitement.
Witnesses said he did not remember Kanu’s apologies for corruption, youth unemployment or to the president and Igbo leaders. He also claimed not to remember Kanu’s description of IPOB as a voluntary and non-violent organization. He said in acknowledging the killings in the northern part of the country and elsewhere, he said he could not connect the violence to the struggle for self-determination and confirmed the government’s efforts to curb violence.
DSS witnesses provided the background of Kanu’s arrest in Lagos in 2015 and noted that the defendant was arrested at the hotel and that all recovered items belonged to Kanu. It was reported that there were no signs of weapons or public harassment in connection with the woman he was arrested. Although these items may not be offensive on their own, witnesses believe their intended use may suggest. He said his role does not include analyzing the items or bringing others to Kanu in person, confirming that Kanu’s statement was made without a lawyer.
The court acknowledged a long list of items recovered from the Kanu hotel room as evidence. These include electronic devices such as laptops, modems, cell phones, microphones and recorders, as well as personal effects such as shoes, perfumes, watches and bank cards. The exhibits also include documents marked IPOB, passport, a Nigerian and a British one with Kanu’s full name and various accessories.
Judge James Omomo adjourned the case on May 6, 7 and 8 to continue the hearing.
