I’m A Freedom Fighter, Not A Terrorist – Nnamdi Kanu Defends His Mission In Court

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has declared that his agitation for the emancipation of the South East, South South, and parts of Benue and Kogi States is a legitimate struggle—not an act of terrorism, as alleged by the Nigerian federal government.

In a statement made during his interrogation by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Lagos on October 15, 2015, Kanu insisted that freedom fighting is a universal human right and not a criminal offense, even in Nigeria.

The statement, which was read in open court on Tuesday, April 29, and accepted as evidence, revealed that Kanu was questioned without legal representation, in violation of due process. He also denied any involvement in violence, asserting that he has never been linked to any violent activities in Nigeria.

The statement was presented in court by DSS operatives. The federal government’s lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Solomon (SAN), requested that it be read publicly. With no objection from Kanu’s legal team, a DSS witness identified only by the code PWAAA read the statement aloud.

Additionally, video footage of Kanu’s interrogation was played in court. The defense again raised no objections, and both the statement and the video clips were formally admitted as evidence by the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho.

The court also received four suitcases as evidence. These were recovered from the hotel room where Kanu was arrested in 2015 and reportedly contained personal items, including radio equipment linked to Radio Biafra.

In both his written and recorded statements, Kanu confirmed founding Radio Biafra in London, where it is registered. He admitted the station was not registered with Nigeria’s National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), saying he did not see the need for such registration.