In a significant development in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the self-proclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the Federal High Court in Abuja has admitted a radio transmitter, allegedly smuggled into Nigeria by Kanu, as evidence. The transmitter, along with a 20-foot container in which it was supposedly brought from London without proper Customs documentation, was presented to Justice James Omotosho during a special proceeding held at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Abuja.
The unusual venue for the court proceeding was granted following an oral application by the prosecuting lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), who argued it was impractical to bring the large items to the courthouse. The defense lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), did not object to this request.
During the testimony, the fourth prosecution witness, a DSS agent, identified Kanu as the leader of IPOB, a group advocating for the secession of Nigeria's southeastern states, parts of the South-South, and portions of Benue and Kogi states to form the Republic of Biafra. The witness stated that Kanu used "Radio Biafra" to spread his messages and incite followers to violence and terrorism.
The agent testified that in October 2015, the DSS received intelligence that Kanu had smuggled an FM radio transmitter, concealed among household items in a container, into the country without declaring it to the Nigeria Customs. This transmitter was intended for use by Radio Biafra. A video was shown where Kanu and an associate, Benjamin Madubugu, were seen inspecting the transmitter, which Kanu described as a "game changer" and a "monster" that would "destroy enemies of Biafra" and "the zoo" (referring to Nigeria).
After obtaining a search warrant, the transmitter and container were located at Madubugu's residence in Ubuluisiuzor, Ihiala Local Government of Anambra State. Along with the transmitter, two pump-action guns (without licenses), laptop computers, ammunition, and a small quantity of marijuana were also recovered. Madubugu's statement, detailing how the container came to his premises and Kanu's inspection of it for Radio Biafra broadcasts, was also admitted as evidence. Madubugu was initially arraigned with Kanu, and his separate trial is ongoing.
The witness, who had served in the South-East, further testified about the disruptive activities of IPOB and its military wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). He explained that ESN members, all of whom are IPOB members, are trained in guerrilla warfare, carry out Kanu's instructions broadcast via Radio Biafra, and engage in terrorism, maiming, killing, and propagating hate against other ethnic groups, particularly the Hausa/Fulani.
Audio recordings of Kanu's broadcasts were also admitted as evidence. These included a May 29, 2021, broadcast where he used disparaging language against South-East political leaders and declared a "sit-at-home" order for May 31, 2021, threatening death to anyone who disobeyed. In a May 30 broadcast, he called for a total lockdown in the South-East, warning that businesses opening would be burned.
The witness also testified about Kanu's broadcast on April 25, 2021, mourning the death of an ESN commander named Nwokike Anyinayo Andy, known as Ikonso, who was killed by security forces. Kanu vowed repercussions and claimed Ikonso would be buried with 2000 heads. An arrested IPOB member, Emeyiri Uzoma Benjamin (Onye Army), later confessed to only being able to obtain 30 heads. A Vanguard newspaper publication detailing this statement was also tendered.
Further hearings in the case are scheduled for June 18, 19, and 20, during which the prosecution is expected to conclude its case.
