The Federal Government’s second prosecution witness, identified as BBB, on Wednesday presented a certified true copy of the death certificate of the late Ahmed Gulak, during the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra.
The document was tendered before Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Gulak, who once served as Special Adviser on Political Affairs to former President Goodluck Jonathan, was allegedly killed in 2021 by suspected members of IPOB for reportedly violating a sit-at-home directive.
BBB, whose identity was shielded for security reasons, was led in evidence by the Federal Government’s lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN.
Although the day’s proceedings were initially scheduled for cross-examination, Awomolo sought the court’s permission to ask the witness an additional question.
“We ask for permission to ask a question, my lord,” Awomolo said.
Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, did not raise any objection, prompting Justice Omotosho to grant the request.
Awomolo then reminded the witness of a previous statement he made, linking a radio broadcast by Kanu to the sit-at-home order that allegedly led to Gulak’s murder.
The witness affirmed the claim and revealed he had taken part in some of the investigations surrounding Gulak’s death.
He also disclosed he had brought a death certificate from the police, dated July 18, 2021.
“This is a certified true copy of the medical report of Ahmed Gulak,” BBB told the court.
The document, upon being shown to Agabi, was not opposed, and Justice Omotosho admitted it into evidence, marking it as Exhibit PWJ.
Awomolo then asked that the document be handed to the witness to read aloud in court.
BBB complied and read the contents of the certificate, stating it originated from the Nigeria Police in Owerri, Imo State, and confirmed that Gulak was shot dead in 2021 by assailants alleged to be members of IPOB.
Following this, Agabi commenced his cross-examination of the witness.