The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, admitted into evidence a series of video recordings allegedly showing the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, making inflammatory broadcasts that the Federal Government claims incited terrorist acts across the South-East region.
The proceedings before Justice James Omotosho resumed with the continued testimony of the second prosecution witness, a Department of State Services (DSS) operative identified only by the code name “PWBBB.” The witness gave evidence behind a screen, following the court’s protective order.
Led in evidence by the lead prosecuting counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, the witness presented a flash drive containing a compilation of Kanu’s broadcasts and video clips made on the outlawed “Radio Biafra” platform. The court admitted the digital device as an exhibit, along with a certificate of compliance, despite initial objections by the defence.
One of the aired recordings was a broadcast dated October 20, 2020—during the #EndSARS protests—in which Kanu was heard urging youths to attack police and military personnel, seize their weapons, and set government infrastructure ablaze. The prosecution claims these directives directly triggered violent incidents that led to deaths and the destruction of public assets.
In another clip from a December 12, 2020 broadcast, Kanu described Nigeria as a “zoo” and called for an uprising against perceived Fulani domination. He declared: “In the blessed land of Biafra, we must do everything to save ourselves from extinction.” He also accused political leaders of betrayal.
The court also viewed a video in which Kanu introduced the Eastern Security Network (ESN), likening it to the Amotekun Corps in the South-West, and declared that Fulani herders would not be allowed in the South-East. “If you are an agent of Fulani, turn your way this evening,” he warned in the recording.
Further exhibits included a government gazette dated September 20, 2017, which formally designated IPOB as a terrorist organisation, and a letter dated June 17, 2021, from the office of the then Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN. The letter alleged that Kanu’s broadcasts had led to the killing of security operatives and destruction of public property.
A written statement made by Kanu during DSS interrogation was also admitted into evidence. In it, Kanu declined to provide further responses, stating, “I have said all I wish to say.”
Defence counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, raised no objection to the admission of the letter, the gazette, or Kanu’s written statement. However, he reserved the right to cross-examine the witness after the prosecution finishes presenting its exhibits.
Following the prosecution’s request, Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until May 8, 2025, for the continuation of the trial and further viewing of the remaining video evidence, which prosecutors say exceeds an hour in length.
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