The trial of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, continued on Wednesday before the Federal High Court in Abuja, with the prosecution continuing its presentation of evidence in support of terrorism-related charges against the separatist leader.
At the proceedings, led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, for the prosecution, and Kanu Agabi, SAN, for the defence, the court admitted several exhibits, including letters, statements, and video materials said to contain broadcasts by Kanu inciting violence against the Nigerian state.
The prosecution’s witness, codenamed BBB, who continued his examination-in-chief, was shown a letter dated June 17, 2021, purportedly from the office of the then-Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, addressed to the Department of State Services (DSS).
The letter contained complaints against Kanu for alleged acts of terrorism, murder, and incitement of attacks against security operatives.
The witness read out portions of the letter, which stated that Kanu, through various broadcasts, incited violence by instructing followers to attack police and military officers, seize their weapons, and burn down government institutions.
According to the letter, these alleged directives had led to the killing of security personnel and the destruction of public infrastructure.
The prosecution also tendered a written statement said to have been made by Kanu during DSS interrogation, which was admitted without objection by the defence.
In the statement, Kanu declined to make further comments, stating he had said all he wished to say.
Subsequently, the court admitted into evidence a flash drive containing video clips of the defendant’s alleged broadcasts. Despite initial objections by defence counsel, the court accepted the device, along with a certificate of compliance.
During the court session, the video was played showing Kanu in a December 12, 2020, broadcast, declaring: “In the blessed land of Biafra, we must do everything to save ourselves from extinction.”
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He described Nigeria as a “zoo” and called for resistance against what he termed northern domination, accusing political leaders of betraying the people.
In another video, Kanu introduced the Eastern Security Network (ESN), comparing it to regional security outfits like Amotekun, and said it was necessary to defend the South-East from Fulani herders.
He warned that no Fulani herdsman would be allowed in the region, adding, “If you are an agent of Fulani, turn your way this evening.”
The court also viewed footage from the EndSARS protests, where Kanu was seen allegedly directing attacks on police and government properties.
A separate video dated May 30, 2021, showed Kanu declaring a total lockdown in the South-East in memory of fallen Biafrans. He also instructed residents not to leave their homes.
Another clip reportedly showed Kanu urging his followers to procure guns and bullets for self-defence, specifically referencing threats from Boko Haram and labelling Fulani herders as terrorists. The witness confirmed the voice in the videos as Kanu’s.
Additionally, the Federal Government’s gazette officially proscribing IPOB as a terrorist organisation, dated December 20, was admitted as an exhibit without objection from the defence.
Awomolo requested an adjournment to continue playing the remaining footage, noting it exceeded an hour. The defence raised no objections, and the court adjourned the matter to May 8 for continuation of the hearing.
