Kanu’s Trial: FG’s Witness Tenders Gulak’s Death Certificate, Allegedly Killed by IPOB

A prosecution witness for the Federal Government on Wednesday presented a certified true copy of the death certificate of Ahmed Gulak, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Gulak was allegedly killed in 2021 by IPOB members for purportedly disobeying a sit-at-home order issued by the separatist group.

The witness, identified only as BBB for security reasons, is the second to testify in the case and appeared before Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Led in evidence by the government’s lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), BBB submitted the document said to be issued by the Nigeria Police in Owerri, Imo State, dated July 18, 2021.

Although the day’s proceedings were initially scheduled for cross-examination of the witness, Awomolo requested the court’s permission to ask an additional question. He referenced an earlier testimony by BBB that Kanu, during a radio broadcast, ordered a sit-at-home protest that allegedly led to Gulak’s killing. The witness confirmed this claim and said he had participated in investigations into the incident.

Upon showing the death certificate to the defence, Kanu’s lawyer, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), raised no objection. The document was admitted into evidence and marked as Exhibit PWJ. The court also granted Awomolo’s request to allow the witness to read the document aloud. BBB read from the certificate, stating it confirmed Gulak was shot dead by individuals identified as IPOB members.

Following the presentation, Agabi commenced his cross-examination of the witness.