The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), continued on Tuesday before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, with the prosecution presenting key evidence linking Kanu to acts of terrorism.
The prosecution’s witness, identified by the code name “BBB,” resumed his testimony and focused on a petition allegedly authored by former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), addressed to the Department of State Services (DSS). The petition accused Kanu of terrorism, murder, and incitement to violence against Nigerian security forces.
The letter, dated June 17, 2021, was admitted into evidence as Exhibit PWF, with no objections from Kanu’s defense team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Kanu Agabi.
The witness read from the petition, which claimed that Kanu, through his broadcasts, incited attacks on police and military personnel, leading to killings, arson, and the destruction of public institutions, including police stations and correctional centers. The petition also alleged that Kanu called for the death of security forces and the seizure of their weapons.
The court also admitted Kanu’s written statement to the DSS, dated July 17, 2021, in which he refused to make a fresh submission, asserting that he had already addressed the allegations. This document was marked as Exhibit PEG.
The prosecution then presented a flash drive allegedly containing Kanu’s broadcasts. Despite objections from the defense, the court admitted the flash drive, along with its certificate of compliance, as Exhibits PWA and PW1.
One of the video clips played in court, recorded on December 12, 2021, showed Kanu addressing his followers from “the blessed land of Biafra.” In the video, Kanu declared the establishment of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and called for resistance against “Fulani domination.” He also warned political leaders in the southeast against compromising with the Nigerian government.
Other videos played in court contained Kanu’s calls for violent actions, including burning down government buildings, attacking police officers, and manufacturing weapons. In one recording, Kanu reportedly instructed his followers to “go and burn down Lagos,” “set Murtala Mohammed Airport on fire,” and “kill policemen.”
The court also heard a series of audio recordings where Kanu allegedly directed his followers to carry out violent acts, such as ambushing military personnel, burning government vehicles, and executing attacks on police stations.
In one particularly disturbing recording, Kanu is heard instructing his followers to “kill soldiers” and destroy federal government infrastructure. Another recording allegedly features Kanu telling a caller to “take guns and kill some army officers” in Edo State.
The prosecution also presented a CD plate of Kanu’s interview at the DSS headquarters on July 17, 2021, which was accepted into evidence despite objections from the defense. The CD, along with its certificate of compliance, was marked as Exhibit PWI and PWI-1.
Additionally, the Federal Government’s gazette from September 20, 2017, which proscribed IPOB as a terrorist organization, was admitted as Exhibit PWJ.
Prosecution counsel Adegboyega Awomolo requested the court adjourn the trial to Thursday, May 8, 2025, for the continuation of proceedings.
