A Department of State Services (DSS) operative told the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday that a total of 233 security personnel were killed during the #EndSARS protests, allegedly due to inciting statements by Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

 

The fifth prosecution witness (PW5) made the claim while being led in evidence by prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), at the resumed trial of Kanu on terrorism-related charges.

 

Key Testimonies and Claims by DSS Witness:

 

The DSS operative said he did not personally know Kanu, but recognized him from the media.

 

He was assigned to gather records of security personnel deaths and public property destruction from 2020–2021, particularly during the #EndSARS protests.

 

He claimed that Kanu’s remarks incited protesters, resulting in violence against security personnel and destruction of public infrastructure.

 

 

Breakdown of Alleged Casualties:

 

186 Police officers

 

37 Military personnel

 

10 DSS operatives

 

 

Destruction of Public Property:

 

164 police stations were attacked nationwide, with the highest figures in Lagos (38), Imo (20), and Ondo (11).

 

9 INEC offices were destroyed in Cross River, Anambra, and Akwa Ibom, among others.

 

 

Cross-Examination Highlights:

 

Under questioning by defence lawyer Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume (SAN), the witness admitted:

 

He was not part of the investigation against Kanu.

 

His task was to gather records, not to determine guilt or incitement.

 

He had no evidence linking Kanu directly to some of the incidents, like the destruction of the Lagos court.

 

He acknowledged SARS brutality as a reason for the protest but argued it was used by “subversive elements” to incite rebellion.

 

 

 

Prosecution Closes Case

 

Following the testimony, the lead prosecutor announced the closure of the prosecution’s case, citing the volume of evidence and exhibits already presented, including broadcasts allegedly linked to Kanu.

 

Defence to File No-Case Submission

 

Defence counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the court of plans to file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to link Kanu to the charges.

 

Justice James Omotosho granted:

 

14 days to the defence to file the submission.

 

14 days for the prosecution to respond.

 

2 days for the defence to reply on points of law.

 

 

Next Court Date:

 

The case is adjourned until July 18, 2025, for adoption of the no-case submission.