The Federal High Court in Abuja has accepted into evidence the death certificate and medical report of late Ahmed Gulak, a former presidential aide, in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who is facing terrorism-related charges.
Justice James Omotoso, who is presiding over the matter, admitted the documents following their presentation by the prosecution through a witness identified only as BBB.
The defence team, led by Kanu Agabi (SAN), alongside Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume (SAN) and Aloy Ejimakor, raised no objection to the documents.
According to the prosecution team headed by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), the evidence includes a police report from Owerri, Imo State, suggesting that Gulak was killed by gunmen believed to be IPOB members.
Under cross-examination, Agabi challenged the reliability of a video statement taken from Kanu while in DSS custody. He pointed out that “only the defendant and his team were visible in the footage.”
Responding, the witness said, “That is the procedure,” insisting it was a complete recording.
When pressed, he admitted he could not remember whether he was masked during the interview.
Agabi further raised concerns about Kanu’s prolonged detention and alleged solitary confinement.
But the witness clarified his role, saying, “Solitary confinement is not a practice of the DSS. I am not his handler.”
The defence team also argued that Kanu’s continued detention amounted to inhuman treatment.
In response, the witness said he could not speak to Kanu’s psychological condition, as it was beyond his investigative duties.
When asked about the timeline and amendments of the charges, the witness said he was not involved in drafting the charges and couldn’t confirm the dates.
Agabi described the charges as speculative, but the witness maintained that his function was limited to investigation.
Further into the proceedings, the court heard that despite several years of trial and multiple charge amendments, the investigative team had never arranged for Kanu to meet his accusers.
The witness admitted that he only delivered a letter from the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and did not arrange any face-to-face confrontation.
Agabi argued that the AGF initiated the investigation after charges were already filed.
The witness replied that he was unaware of the exact filing dates and simply acted on the directive forwarded to him.
Agabi also informed the court that the defence had requested police records crucial to the case but had not yet received them.
Awomolo opposed any adjournment, citing an earlier court order for an expedited hearing.
However, Justice Omotoso granted a short adjournment.
“The matter has international and domestic interest,” the judge said.
“I am inclined to grant the adjournment today to ensure the defence is properly heard. Please use the opportunity well; we are here for justice.”
Before concluding the session, the judge asked for clarification regarding claims that DSS had denied Kanu’s legal team access to him.
While Agabi said he was not denied access, the court raised concerns about a conflicting social media post by Aloy Ejimakor.
Justice Omotoso warned Ejimakor to refrain from unprofessional behavior and urged all lawyers to verify information before posting online, particularly on social media platforms.
The court has adjourned the matter to May 21 at the request of the defence.
