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IPOB accuses Nigerian Govt of using dead man’s statement in Nnamdi Kanu’s trial
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has said the Nigerian government tendered a statement allegedly made by a “dead man” in the ongoing terrorism trial of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
IPOB made the assertion in a statement released by its spokesman, Emma Powerful.
During the proceedings of June 13, 2025, an agent of the Department of State Services (DSS), while testifying for the prosecution, tendered a newspaper publication which contained a statement said to have been made by an IPOB member, Emeyiri Uzoma Benjamin, aka Onye Army. Onye Army allegedly said the group was able to get 30 heads for the burial of a commander of the Eastern Security Network (ESN),
Nwokike Anyinayo Andy, popularly known as Ikonso, who was killed by security forces in April 2021 in Awomama, Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State.
The prosecution witness alleged that Kanu, in a broadcast, said 2000 heads would be used to bury the ESN commander.
However, in the statement titled ‘The Nigerian Government has finally reduced itself to tendering dead men’s statements in its failed case against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’, IPOB said Onye Army is late, adding that he did not make any statement in court.
IPOB alleged that the said Onye Army was killed in DSS custody.
Faulting the use of the statement as evidence, IPOB stressed that Onye Army cannot be available for cross examination to authenticate the claims.
The statement said, “The so-called trial of our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, which has long degenerated into a circus, reached its lowest point yet in Abuja yesterday. In a desperate attempt to sustain their collapsed case, the Nigerian government, through Awomolo SAN, shamelessly presented as evidence a newspaper publication which purportedly quoted a man named Onye Army. According to Vanguard newspaper, Onye Army allegedly confessed that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu ordered him to kill 2,000 people, but he managed to kill only 30.
“Let it be made clear to the Nigerian public and the international community:
Onye Army never appeared in court. He never testified. His so-called statement was never given in court or even directly to the DSS investigators handling the case. Instead, it was PW-DDD — a DSS operative — who merely read out what Vanguard newspaper claimed that Onye Army said. Incredibly, PW-DDD admitted under oath that he never interviewed Onye Army and had no first-hand knowledge of any such confession.
“The most grotesque part of this charade is that Onye Army is dead — killed while in DSS custody. He is not available for cross-examination, verification, or confirmation of any statement attributed to him. This is not law. This is not justice. This is outright fraud upon the court.”
Further faulting the evidence, the statement added, “The Nigerian government has now fully descended into graveyard evidence—fabricating confessions of people they have killed—and tendering them through newspaper clippings. This scandalous conduct violates every known principle of Nigerian law, including:
“Section 29 of the Evidence Act: Prohibiting involuntary and unverified confessions.
Section 83(1) of the Evidence Act: Rendering third-party hearsay newspaper reports inadmissible.
Section 36(6) of the Constitution: Guaranteeing the accused the right to confront his accusers.
Section 36(8) of the Constitution: Prohibiting further prosecution where punishment has already been served or exceeded.”
The statement further insisted that Kanu’s trial is illegal, giving a number of reasons to justify the argument.
“Beyond the brazen evidentiary fraud, he trial itself remains fundamentally illegal for several reasons:
“No jurisdiction in Abuja: The Court of Appeal (CA/ABJ/CR/625/2022) has already ruled that the alleged offence, if any, occurred in Ubulisiuzor, Anambra State, and can only be tried by the Federal High Court in Awka — not Abuja. The continued proceedings in Abuja are in open contempt of that binding judgment.
“Violation of Customs Law (CEMA):
Under Section 178 of CEMA, jurisdiction lies only where the offence occurred or where the accused resides. Abuja meets neither condition. This Abuja trial is forum shopping and gross abuse of court process.
“Statute-barred offence: The alleged offence of importation of transmitter under CEMA carries a maximum limitation period of five years. More than five years have elapsed, rendering this prosecution legally dead on arrival.
“Excessive detention: Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has been illegally detained for nearly four years since his unlawful rendition from Kenya. This far exceeds the maximum penalty for the alleged customs offence, violating his constitutional rights under Section 36(8) and binding case law in Uzoukwu v. Ezeonu II (1991) 6 NWLR (Pt. 200) 708.
“Staged inspection exercise: The recent so-called inspection of a radio transmitter by Justice Omotosho inside DSS headquarters has no legal foundation. The Court of Appeal had already ruled that such matters belong in Awka, not Abuja. This exercise was nothing but media choreography to please bloodthirsty political hawks.”
IPOB added, “The entire proceeding is nothing but a well-rehearsed media circus designed to produce headlines, not justice. The Nigerian judiciary is being dragged into disrepute before the entire world. Every illegal act by this government in this matter only deepens Nigeria’s global disgrace.
“We remind the Nigerian government that injustice breeds chaos. No amount of manufactured evidence, fraudulent confessions, or forum shopping will destroy the truth. The whole world is watching this charade. The only honorable path left is for this sham trial to be terminated immediately.”
Declaring that “History will vindicate Mazi Nnamdi Kanu”, the statement stressed that “IPOB remains unshaken” and “Justice will prevail”.
Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB leader, is facing trial on terrorism-related charges before Justice James Omotosho of the Abuja Federal High Court. Justice Binta Nyako initially presided over the trial but the case was transferred to Justice Omotosho after she recused herself, following Kanu’s declaration that he has lost confidence in her judgement.
Kanu was first arrested in 2017 for agitating for an independent Biafra nation and later released on bail. He subsequently escaped to Europe after Nigerian soldiers invaded his residence in Afaraukwu, Abia State, during the Operation Python Dance.
In June 2021, Kanu was rearrested in Kenya and subjected to extraordinary rendition back to Nigeria. He has been detained in the DSS facility since then.
IPOB made the assertion in a statement released by its spokesman, Emma Powerful.
During the proceedings of June 13, 2025, an agent of the Department of State Services (DSS), while testifying for the prosecution, tendered a newspaper publication which contained a statement said to have been made by an IPOB member, Emeyiri Uzoma Benjamin, aka Onye Army. Onye Army allegedly said the group was able to get 30 heads for the burial of a commander of the Eastern Security Network (ESN),
Nwokike Anyinayo Andy, popularly known as Ikonso, who was killed by security forces in April 2021 in Awomama, Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State.
The prosecution witness alleged that Kanu, in a broadcast, said 2000 heads would be used to bury the ESN commander.
However, in the statement titled ‘The Nigerian Government has finally reduced itself to tendering dead men’s statements in its failed case against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’, IPOB said Onye Army is late, adding that he did not make any statement in court.
IPOB alleged that the said Onye Army was killed in DSS custody.
Faulting the use of the statement as evidence, IPOB stressed that Onye Army cannot be available for cross examination to authenticate the claims.
The statement said, “The so-called trial of our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, which has long degenerated into a circus, reached its lowest point yet in Abuja yesterday. In a desperate attempt to sustain their collapsed case, the Nigerian government, through Awomolo SAN, shamelessly presented as evidence a newspaper publication which purportedly quoted a man named Onye Army. According to Vanguard newspaper, Onye Army allegedly confessed that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu ordered him to kill 2,000 people, but he managed to kill only 30.
“Let it be made clear to the Nigerian public and the international community:
Onye Army never appeared in court. He never testified. His so-called statement was never given in court or even directly to the DSS investigators handling the case. Instead, it was PW-DDD — a DSS operative — who merely read out what Vanguard newspaper claimed that Onye Army said. Incredibly, PW-DDD admitted under oath that he never interviewed Onye Army and had no first-hand knowledge of any such confession.
“The most grotesque part of this charade is that Onye Army is dead — killed while in DSS custody. He is not available for cross-examination, verification, or confirmation of any statement attributed to him. This is not law. This is not justice. This is outright fraud upon the court.”
Further faulting the evidence, the statement added, “The Nigerian government has now fully descended into graveyard evidence—fabricating confessions of people they have killed—and tendering them through newspaper clippings. This scandalous conduct violates every known principle of Nigerian law, including:
“Section 29 of the Evidence Act: Prohibiting involuntary and unverified confessions.
Section 83(1) of the Evidence Act: Rendering third-party hearsay newspaper reports inadmissible.
Section 36(6) of the Constitution: Guaranteeing the accused the right to confront his accusers.
Section 36(8) of the Constitution: Prohibiting further prosecution where punishment has already been served or exceeded.”
The statement further insisted that Kanu’s trial is illegal, giving a number of reasons to justify the argument.
“Beyond the brazen evidentiary fraud, he trial itself remains fundamentally illegal for several reasons:
“No jurisdiction in Abuja: The Court of Appeal (CA/ABJ/CR/625/2022) has already ruled that the alleged offence, if any, occurred in Ubulisiuzor, Anambra State, and can only be tried by the Federal High Court in Awka — not Abuja. The continued proceedings in Abuja are in open contempt of that binding judgment.
“Violation of Customs Law (CEMA):
Under Section 178 of CEMA, jurisdiction lies only where the offence occurred or where the accused resides. Abuja meets neither condition. This Abuja trial is forum shopping and gross abuse of court process.
“Statute-barred offence: The alleged offence of importation of transmitter under CEMA carries a maximum limitation period of five years. More than five years have elapsed, rendering this prosecution legally dead on arrival.
“Excessive detention: Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has been illegally detained for nearly four years since his unlawful rendition from Kenya. This far exceeds the maximum penalty for the alleged customs offence, violating his constitutional rights under Section 36(8) and binding case law in Uzoukwu v. Ezeonu II (1991) 6 NWLR (Pt. 200) 708.
“Staged inspection exercise: The recent so-called inspection of a radio transmitter by Justice Omotosho inside DSS headquarters has no legal foundation. The Court of Appeal had already ruled that such matters belong in Awka, not Abuja. This exercise was nothing but media choreography to please bloodthirsty political hawks.”
IPOB added, “The entire proceeding is nothing but a well-rehearsed media circus designed to produce headlines, not justice. The Nigerian judiciary is being dragged into disrepute before the entire world. Every illegal act by this government in this matter only deepens Nigeria’s global disgrace.
“We remind the Nigerian government that injustice breeds chaos. No amount of manufactured evidence, fraudulent confessions, or forum shopping will destroy the truth. The whole world is watching this charade. The only honorable path left is for this sham trial to be terminated immediately.”
Declaring that “History will vindicate Mazi Nnamdi Kanu”, the statement stressed that “IPOB remains unshaken” and “Justice will prevail”.
Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB leader, is facing trial on terrorism-related charges before Justice James Omotosho of the Abuja Federal High Court. Justice Binta Nyako initially presided over the trial but the case was transferred to Justice Omotosho after she recused herself, following Kanu’s declaration that he has lost confidence in her judgement.
Kanu was first arrested in 2017 for agitating for an independent Biafra nation and later released on bail. He subsequently escaped to Europe after Nigerian soldiers invaded his residence in Afaraukwu, Abia State, during the Operation Python Dance.
In June 2021, Kanu was rearrested in Kenya and subjected to extraordinary rendition back to Nigeria. He has been detained in the DSS facility since then.
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The African Democratic Congress has welcomed President Bola Tinubu back to Nigeria, while calling for clarity on his unexplained five-day absence following the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bola Abdullahi, the party stated that a president who vanishes without accountability cannot be relied upon to address the pressing challenges facing the nation.
Recall that Tinubu left Abuja on June 28, 2025, starting his journey with a state visit to Saint Lucia to deepen relations with Caribbean countries and promote South-South cooperation. The visit also coincided with Saint Lucia’s 45th Independence Anniversary.
He then travelled to Brazil on July 4 to attend the 2025 BRICS Summit, which took place in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to 7. The President returned in the early hours of Sunday.
In response, the ADC questioned President Tinubu’s whereabouts during the five-day gap following the conclusion of the BRICS Summit.
The opposition leaders’ coalition platform stated, “The African Democratic Congress extends a weary welcome to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finally returning to the country five days after the end of the 2025 BRICS Summit, which was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
“Since the summit ended on Monday, July 7th, all the other world leaders who were in attendance returned home, briefed their citizens, and got back to work. But our President? He only reappeared in Abuja in the early hours of Sunday, July 13—without a word, without a briefing, or any explanation as to why his return to the country had been delayed.
“A whole five days is significant in the life of a country, especially a country like ours battling with several existential challenges of insecurity and a tottering economy that has made life increasingly difficult for the majority of Nigerians. The President was not on holiday; he was on official duty. We therefore cannot wish those five days away and we demand a clear explanation for them.
“The ADC also notes with concern that this disdain for accountability around the President’s overseas trip has become a distinct hallmark of this administration.”
The ADC stated that a president who disappears without offering any accountability lacks the moral ground to ask citizens to make sacrifices.
The statement added, “In January 2024, a so-called ‘private visit’ to France turned into a two-week disappearance. No photos, and no statements from our President.
“In April 2024, President Tinubu travelled to the Netherlands, and then to Riyadh, for the World Economic Forum. The summit ended on April 29th, 2024, but there was not a word from him until May 8th, 2024. Those were nine days of unexplained vacuum.
“In August 2024, President Tinubu flew to China via Dubai. After his engagements in Beijing, he vanished from public view on September 5th and mysteriously surfaced in London on September 11th. He was missing for six days—no explanations, no letter transmitted to the National Assembly, just silence.
“And in the same August 2024, the President also embarked on yet another “brief work stay” in Paris. He remained incommunicado for three days, then quietly returned, as if the nation did not deserve to know. Each episode of Mr. President’s mysterious disappearances has sparked all manner of speculations and rumours that are not only unhealthy to the polity, but also endanger Nigeria’s perception in the eyes of the world.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bola Abdullahi, the party stated that a president who vanishes without accountability cannot be relied upon to address the pressing challenges facing the nation.
Recall that Tinubu left Abuja on June 28, 2025, starting his journey with a state visit to Saint Lucia to deepen relations with Caribbean countries and promote South-South cooperation. The visit also coincided with Saint Lucia’s 45th Independence Anniversary.
He then travelled to Brazil on July 4 to attend the 2025 BRICS Summit, which took place in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to 7. The President returned in the early hours of Sunday.
In response, the ADC questioned President Tinubu’s whereabouts during the five-day gap following the conclusion of the BRICS Summit.
The opposition leaders’ coalition platform stated, “The African Democratic Congress extends a weary welcome to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finally returning to the country five days after the end of the 2025 BRICS Summit, which was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
“Since the summit ended on Monday, July 7th, all the other world leaders who were in attendance returned home, briefed their citizens, and got back to work. But our President? He only reappeared in Abuja in the early hours of Sunday, July 13—without a word, without a briefing, or any explanation as to why his return to the country had been delayed.
“A whole five days is significant in the life of a country, especially a country like ours battling with several existential challenges of insecurity and a tottering economy that has made life increasingly difficult for the majority of Nigerians. The President was not on holiday; he was on official duty. We therefore cannot wish those five days away and we demand a clear explanation for them.
“The ADC also notes with concern that this disdain for accountability around the President’s overseas trip has become a distinct hallmark of this administration.”
The ADC stated that a president who disappears without offering any accountability lacks the moral ground to ask citizens to make sacrifices.
The statement added, “In January 2024, a so-called ‘private visit’ to France turned into a two-week disappearance. No photos, and no statements from our President.
“In April 2024, President Tinubu travelled to the Netherlands, and then to Riyadh, for the World Economic Forum. The summit ended on April 29th, 2024, but there was not a word from him until May 8th, 2024. Those were nine days of unexplained vacuum.
“In August 2024, President Tinubu flew to China via Dubai. After his engagements in Beijing, he vanished from public view on September 5th and mysteriously surfaced in London on September 11th. He was missing for six days—no explanations, no letter transmitted to the National Assembly, just silence.
“And in the same August 2024, the President also embarked on yet another “brief work stay” in Paris. He remained incommunicado for three days, then quietly returned, as if the nation did not deserve to know. Each episode of Mr. President’s mysterious disappearances has sparked all manner of speculations and rumours that are not only unhealthy to the polity, but also endanger Nigeria’s perception in the eyes of the world.
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‘We don’t need recycled lies’ – I Go Die slams politicians over fake humility ahead of 2027 elections
Popular Nigerian comedian, Francis Agoda, better known as I Go Die, has criticised Nigerian politicians for recycling manipulative tactics as the 2027 presidential election approaches.
In a post he shared on Instagram, the comedian warned Nigerians to be cautious of politicians who fake humility in a bid to gain sympathy and votes from Nigerians.
I Go Die expressed frustration about Nigerians’ repeated gullibility, highlighting how politicians often pretend to be humble during campaigns, only to disappear after winning elections.
The comedian cited historical figures like Obafemi Awolowo, comparing their legacy with modern politicians who still rely on outdated and insincere campaign tactics.
He said, “2027 dey near… Politicians don dey collect their white native from tailor hand. Very soon now, you go begin see dem for roadside dey buy corn, dey help roast bole with women, enter market like say na dem suffer pass you, chop for mama put like say na their house. Fake humility just to win your heart.
“But once dem win, dem go disappear like spirit. You no go see dem again until next election. Same old script since 1960. No innovation, no sincerity.
“Na the same format dem Awolowo use that year na una still dey use today. Zero creativity. Zero change. Na why Nigeria still dey where we dey.
“We do not need actors, we need thinkers. We do not need visionary leaders, not recycled lies.”
In a post he shared on Instagram, the comedian warned Nigerians to be cautious of politicians who fake humility in a bid to gain sympathy and votes from Nigerians.
I Go Die expressed frustration about Nigerians’ repeated gullibility, highlighting how politicians often pretend to be humble during campaigns, only to disappear after winning elections.
The comedian cited historical figures like Obafemi Awolowo, comparing their legacy with modern politicians who still rely on outdated and insincere campaign tactics.
He said, “2027 dey near… Politicians don dey collect their white native from tailor hand. Very soon now, you go begin see dem for roadside dey buy corn, dey help roast bole with women, enter market like say na dem suffer pass you, chop for mama put like say na their house. Fake humility just to win your heart.
“But once dem win, dem go disappear like spirit. You no go see dem again until next election. Same old script since 1960. No innovation, no sincerity.
“Na the same format dem Awolowo use that year na una still dey use today. Zero creativity. Zero change. Na why Nigeria still dey where we dey.
“We do not need actors, we need thinkers. We do not need visionary leaders, not recycled lies.”
The chairperson of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile, says no political party is restricted from participating in the local government election coming up in the state on Saturday, July 12, 2025.
Justice Okikiolu-Ighile refuted the claim that the Labour Party was barred from the election over its internal crisis that has balkanized the party into factions.
The state electoral chairperson clarified that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) only recognised the Labour Party group led by Dayo Ekong.
“We have 15 (court cases). The court has not restrained anyone (political party),” Justice Okikiolu-Ighile said.
“They have about four factions in the Labour Party. We approached INEC and INEC gave us the faction that we should interact with — the one headed by Pastor Dayo Ekong. We have a letter given to us by INEC (to that effect).”
The LASIEC boss acknowledged that there are cases challenging the conduct of the election in court but said there is nothing stopping the exercise.
“It’s in court but nothing has stopped us from conducting this election,” she said when asked about the claim that the date of the election is less than the prescribed 30 days after the expiration of the tenure of those currently in office.
She insisted that no law said that elections should not be conducted in the 37 Local Council Development Areas in the state.
Justice Okikiolu-Ighile confirmed that LASIEC will not use the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) during the election but said that “there are some electronics that we are going to use in between. We can also use manual.”
She acknowledged that low voter turnout has traditionally plagued local council elections nationwide but expressed optimism that the commission’s outreach efforts and growing public trust would lead to increased participation this time.
“We are ready. We have worked hard. Now, we urge Lagosians to come out and vote peacefully,” she said.
Justice Okikiolu-Ighile refuted the claim that the Labour Party was barred from the election over its internal crisis that has balkanized the party into factions.
The state electoral chairperson clarified that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) only recognised the Labour Party group led by Dayo Ekong.
“We have 15 (court cases). The court has not restrained anyone (political party),” Justice Okikiolu-Ighile said.
“They have about four factions in the Labour Party. We approached INEC and INEC gave us the faction that we should interact with — the one headed by Pastor Dayo Ekong. We have a letter given to us by INEC (to that effect).”
The LASIEC boss acknowledged that there are cases challenging the conduct of the election in court but said there is nothing stopping the exercise.
“It’s in court but nothing has stopped us from conducting this election,” she said when asked about the claim that the date of the election is less than the prescribed 30 days after the expiration of the tenure of those currently in office.
She insisted that no law said that elections should not be conducted in the 37 Local Council Development Areas in the state.
Justice Okikiolu-Ighile confirmed that LASIEC will not use the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) during the election but said that “there are some electronics that we are going to use in between. We can also use manual.”
She acknowledged that low voter turnout has traditionally plagued local council elections nationwide but expressed optimism that the commission’s outreach efforts and growing public trust would lead to increased participation this time.
“We are ready. We have worked hard. Now, we urge Lagosians to come out and vote peacefully,” she said.
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