A witness in the ongoing trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has testified that Kanu’s media broadcast led to the murder of former presidential aide, Ahmed Gulak, in 2021. The witness, a Department of State Services (DSS) operative, alleged that Kanu had issued an order during a broadcast for his followers to punish those defying his sit-at-home orders. Gulak was reportedly killed in Imo State on May 30, 2021, in connection with this directive.
The DSS operative, who testified under a protective screen, explained that Kanu’s broadcasts had incited violent actions, including attacks on police officers, government facilities, and the beheading of a police officer. The witness claimed that Kanu admitted to founding IPOB, its armed wing (Eastern Security Network), and the illegal Radio Biafra in interviews with the DSS. Kanu’s inflammatory statements were said to have encouraged violence, leading to the destruction of government property in Lagos.
In a court session, Kanu denied responsibility for the violence, asserting that IPOB was a peaceful group and that his agitation for Biafra was non-violent. He refuted the claims that his broadcasts had incited the violence during the EndSARS protests, claiming that Lagos was outside Biafran territory and that he never advocated for criminal acts.
Despite Kanu’s defense, the witness detailed further that Kanu’s goal was the secession of states in the South East, South South, and parts of Benue and Kogi, aiming to establish Biafra by any means necessary, including war.
The case continues, with Kanu’s legal team challenging the admissibility of video evidence and seeking adjournments. The court hearing was rescheduled to May 14, 21, and 22 for further proceedings.
