Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), says he founded Radio Biafra to “promote truth, peace, and the fight for fundamental human rights”.
Kanu made the remarks in a video recording of his interrogation by the Department of State Services (DSS), which was played in open court on Tuesday during his trial for alleged terrorism and treasonable felony.
Kanu was re-arraigned on March 21 before James Omotosho, judge of a federal high court in Abuja.
At the resumed session on Tuesday, Adegboyega Awomolo, the prosecution counsel, told the court that he filed an ex parte application dated April 10 seeking to protect the identities of the witnesses.
“The essence is for the safety and security of state officers who would be part of the witnesses,” he said.
Omotsho granted the application after Kanu Agabi, counsel to the defendant, said he had no objection.
The first prosecution witness, who was codenamed “AAA” to protect his identity, was then called.
AAA, a DSS staff, said he was part of the team which arrested Kanu on October 15, 2015, at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Lagos.
The witness said Kanu was arrested and several items, including broadcasting devices which were set up in the room, were confiscated.
In the footage, Kanu admitted to setting up the radio station, which he said was registered with the UK government.
He said it was “illegal” to broadcast in Nigeria since he had not registered with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
Kanu also admitted that the radio was funded by supporters from different parts of the world and that he makes his account public to the UK government.
In another statement made by the separatist leader and read in court, Kanu said he was interrogated by the DSS “without legal representation” as required by law.
All exhibits were tendered through the witness and admitted into evidence.