The Department of State Services, DSS, on Wednesday denied claims that it assaulted Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, during his time in custody.
The DSS made this statement during the ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The court resumed proceedings to determine whether statements made by Kanu in 2015 were given willingly or under pressure.
The issue was raised by Kanu, who told the court that he was forced to speak under threats, including the possibility of being held in solitary confinement.
He also said he was slapped by an officer in Lagos when he was first arrested, although he noted the officer later apologized while they were on their way to Abuja.
In response, the third prosecution witness, a DSS officer referred to as Mr CCC, denied all accusations of mistreatment.
He insisted that Kanu was never threatened or forced into making statements.
He also claimed that Kanu received what he described as very respectful and courteous handling while in detention.
The court session focused on a trial-within-trial, a special process ordered by Justice James Omotosho to determine whether the statements Kanu gave in October and November 2015 should be accepted by the court.
Kanu had argued that those statements were made under pressure.
The judge explained that the court must look into these claims to decide if the statements can be used as evidence.
He added that the absence of Kanu’s lawyer when the statements were taken would also be considered before a final decision is made.
Kanu, while testifying, mentioned that an officer he identified as Mr Brown had threatened him with isolation in the DSS dungeon.
However, Mr CCC, the DSS witness, said the officers who handled Kanu’s interrogation were named James, Ibrahim, and Collins, and that no officer named Brown was involved.
During the hearing, video recordings and written statements made by Kanu in 2015 were brought forward by the prosecution.
The footage showed Kanu confirming he was the founder and director of Radio Biafra.
He also talked about international support for the Biafra movement, saying the group had members in over 80 countries.
One of the videos reportedly showed him examining a radio transmitter that had allegedly been smuggled into Nigeria.
The device was said to have been kept in Anambra State.
Kanu’s statements also included comments against former presidents and accusations against a senator.
According to the DSS witness, these statements were made voluntarily and without pressure.
The case was adjourned to Thursday, May 29, for the judge to rule on whether the statements should be accepted and to continue the hearing.
