A witness from the Department of State Services (DSS) has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that broadcasts made by the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, incited attacks that led to the killing of prominent individuals, including former presidential aide Ahmed Gulak.

Testifying as the second prosecution witness in Kanu’s ongoing terrorism trial, the DSS operative revealed that the broadcasts were linked to several violent incidents, including the murder of a retired judge, Justice Stanley Nnaji, and a military couple — Sergeant Audu Lucas and Private Glory Matthew.

According to the witness, Kanu had instructed his followers to enforce a sit-at-home order across southeastern Nigeria, during which several people who defied the order were killed. He alleged that Lucas and Matthew were not only murdered but also beheaded by enforcers of the order.

The witness further testified that those responsible for Gulak’s killing justified the act by citing Kanu’s directive and accusing Gulak of violating the sit-at-home mandate.

He said Kanu founded both IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), and used Radio Biafra—an unregistered station in Nigeria—as a platform for inciting violence, including calls to attack and behead security operatives.

“The investigation established that police stations in Cele and Ilasa in Lagos were torched following Kanu’s broadcasts,” he said. “We also found that about 100 luxury buses belonging to the Lagos State Government and part of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport were set ablaze under his influence.”

The witness added that Kanu advocated for the secession of the Southeast and parts of Benue and Kogi States to form the state of Biafra, even if it required war.

The prosecution also presented a video in court showing Kanu being interrogated by DSS officials in the presence of his lawyers, including Alloy Ejimakor. In the video, Kanu confirmed he founded IPOB and ESN but claimed he was not involved in their daily operations.

He admitted making several broadcasts, including those during the #EndSARS protests, but denied responsibility for the violence in Lagos, stating it was outside what he described as Biafran territory.

Kanu emphasized that IPOB is a peaceful and non-violent movement, and the ESN was established in response to attacks on southeastern communities, especially by suspected herders. He also criticized the military invasion of his home and claimed it forced him into exile.

On his arrest and return to Nigeria, Kanu questioned the legality and manner of his extradition from Kenya.

Following the testimony, Kanu’s lawyer, Paul Erokoro (SAN), requested time to prepare for cross-examination. Justice James Omotosho adjourned the case until May 14, 21, and 22 for continuation of the trial.