DSS Witness: Up to 200 Security Agents Killed in South-East by IPOB Activities

A witness from the State Security Service (SSS) told the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday that between 170 and 200 security agents have been killed in the South-East as a result of the activities of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). The witness, identified only as DDD for security reasons, gave his testimony in the ongoing terrorism trial of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.

Led in evidence by the Federal Government’s lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), DDD stated that IPOB’s actions had resulted in significant loss of life among various security agencies, including the SSS, police, and military. He noted that two SSS personnel, including his driver, were among those killed.

The witness testified that a radio transmitter used by Radio Biafra was smuggled into the country without a licence from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). He recounted how he and his team recovered the German-made transmitter from a location in Ubuluisiuzor, Anambra State. According to DDD, an NBC engineer inspected the transmitter and confirmed that it was not licensed for use in Nigeria. He added that investigations revealed no application or clearance had been sought for its importation or use.

The court heard that the transmitter was brought in and installed by Kanu and kept at the home of one Benjamin Madubugu. Kanu allegedly inspected the equipment and recorded a video to show IPOB members who had contributed funds for its purchase.

The witness read from Vanguard newspaper reports where an ESN commander, identified as Uzuoma Benjamin (alias Onye Army), allegedly confessed that he and others received instructions directly from Kanu to attack and kill security agents. The witness further claimed that Kanu directed that a late ESN member, known as Ikonso, be buried with 2,000 human heads. Only 30 were allegedly obtained. He added that during a raid, SSS agents found ESN members in possession of human heads and engaging in cannibalism as part of spiritual fortification rituals.

DDD also linked IPOB to the 2021 invasion of the Owerri prison and the killing of former presidential aide Ahmed Gulak. According to his testimony, Gulak was killed on May 30, 2021, the day Kanu reportedly declared a sit-at-home order. The witness said Gulak was travelling to the airport in a cab when he encountered a checkpoint manned by IPOB members. Despite Gulak claiming to be Igbo, he could not speak the language, and a Muslim prayer mark on his forehead allegedly led the attackers to identify and shoot him.

Under cross-examination by defence lawyer Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), the witness admitted there was no documented record of when or how the transmitter entered the country. He said the device was traced through video analysis and recovered in Anambra State. He also said he had no knowledge of the firms allegedly involved in clearing the equipment.

The witness confirmed that Radio Biafra was registered in London and had broadcast from there, but claimed that when Kanu was arrested in Lagos in 2016, he was found with broadcasting equipment. He added that two guns were also recovered during the search, not in the transmitter container, but under a mattress in the residence of Benjamin Madubugu, who was subsequently charged with unlawful possession of firearms.

He identified one Igwe Anyiba as the person who brought in the container, stating that Anyiba was later found to be living outside Nigeria. The witness said he had no information on whether the Imo State Government had declared Gulak’s killing politically motivated.

Justice James Omotosho discharged DDD from the witness box after his testimony and adjourned the case until June 19 for continuation of the trial.