The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has launched fresh accusations against the Nigerian government, claiming that the prosecution in the trial of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has presented a dubious witness.
In a strongly worded statement issued in Abuja by its spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful, the group alleged that the so-called prosecution witness, codenamed PW-BBB, is not a Department of State Services (DSS) official, but rather someone linked to a private law firm with no real connection to DSS activities.
According to IPOB, PW-BBB’s identity and testimony were never part of the original prosecution list shared with Kanu’s legal team. The group described the sudden introduction of this witness as a “trial by ambush” and accused the government of committing prosecutorial misconduct.
The group urged Justice James Omotosho, who is presiding over the case, to take note of the suspicious move.
Part of the IPOB statement reads: “IPOB strongly condemns the Nigerian government’s continued abuse of legal process and deployment of deception in the ongoing trial of our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“The latest disgraceful development is the presentation of an individual referred to as Prosecution Witness BBB (PW-BBB) a man who does not work for the Department of State Services (DSS) and who has been exposed under cross-examination as a government-planted mercenary.
“It is particularly alarming that PW-BBB’s name and statement were never disclosed in the original list of prosecution witnesses served to the defense. This last-minute substitution amounts to trial by ambush, a prosecutorial misconduct that should be rebuked and sanctioned.
READ ALSO: IPOB Refutes Involvement in Ahmed Gulak’s Murder, Criticizes False Allegations
“IPOB calls on the Honourable Justice James Omotosho to take judicial notice of this underhanded tactic and ensure such abuse of process is not permitted to taint the sanctity of the courtroom.”
The group also addressed concerns over Kanu’s prolonged detention, insisting he is being held in solitary confinement, a claim it says is backed by DSS records and visits by UK consular officials.
IPOB further promised to unmask PW-BBB’s full identity and role in the coming days and urged the public and global community to closely monitor the unfolding events.
“We assure the public and the international community that the identity, role, and deception of PW-BBB will be fully exposed.
“The Nigerian government must be held accountable for its continued manipulation of the judicial process. Justice must prevail. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu must be released unconditionally.”