The Federal Government on Wednesday tendered a certified true copy (CTC) of the death certificate of former aide of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Ahmed Gulak, in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The document was presented by a prosecution witness identified only as “BBB,” the second witness (PW-2) called by the government.
BBB, who was shielded from public view during the proceedings for security reasons, said Gulak was allegedly killed by IPOB members in 2021 for violating a sit-at-home order issued by the separatist group.
The late Ahmed Gulak served as Special Adviser on political affairs to former President Jonathan and was assassinated in Owerri, Imo State, on May 30, 2021, while on his way to the airport.
Authorities have consistently blamed IPOB militants for the killing, although the group has denied responsibility.
During Wednesday’s hearing, lead prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, sought the court’s permission to ask the witness an additional question before cross-examination resumed.
The request was not opposed by Kanu’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, and was granted by Justice James Omotosho.
Awomolo asked BBB to confirm that Kanu, during one of his radio broadcasts, called for a sit-at-home protest that eventually led to Gulak’s death.
The witness affirmed the claim, stating he had participated in parts of the investigation into the incident.
BBB further testified that the death certificate, dated July 18, 2021, was issued by the Nigeria Police in Owerri and confirmed that Gulak died as a result of gunshot wounds inflicted by individuals identified as IPOB members.
“This is a certified true copy of the medical report of Ahmed Gulak,” the witness stated after being allowed to read the document aloud in court.
Justice Omotosho admitted the certificate into evidence and marked it as Exhibit PWJ.
Following the admission of the death certificate, the court proceeded with the cross-examination of the witness by the defence.
The development comes amid renewed legal efforts by the Federal Government to prosecute Nnamdi Kanu on terrorism-related charges.
Kanu is facing allegations of incitement, unlawful broadcasting and terrorism, stemming from his leadership role in IPOB, which was designated a terrorist organisation by Nigerian authorities in 2017.
