Court admits video of Kanu allegedly calling for violence, killings

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday admitted into evidence a video in which Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is allegedly seen calling for violence and killings. The materials are said to include broadcasts in which Kanu allegedly encouraged violence and attacks against the Nigerian state.

Justice James Omotosho, the presiding judge, accepted the exhibits presented by lead prosecution counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) as evidence to support the allegations against the Biafra separatist leader.

Kanu is currently on trial, facing charges of terrorism and treason filed by the Federal Government.

On Tuesday, the second prosecution witness, identified as PW-BBB, began giving testimony. During examination-in-chief conducted by lead prosecution counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), the witness disclosed that he had been assigned by the Attorney General of the Federation to investigate Nnamdi Kanu.

The witness stated that the investigation established Kanu as the operator of Radio Biafra and the founder of the Eastern Security Network.

At the continuation of the trial on Wednesday, PW-BBB resumed his testimony as the prosecution proceeded with its case.

Awomolo presented a letter dated 17 June 2021, reportedly from the office of the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and addressed to the Department of State Services (DSS).

The letter detailed allegations against Kanu, accusing him of terrorism, murder, and inciting attacks on security personnel.

Reading from the letter, the witness said it alleged that Kanu used his broadcasts to encourage violence, urging his followers to assault police and military officers, confiscate their weapons, and destroy government facilities. These actions, according to the letter, reportedly led to the deaths of security personnel and significant damage to public infrastructure.

Awomolo also submitted a written statement purportedly made by Kanu during DSS interrogation. In it, Kanu declined to make further comments, saying he had already expressed all he wished to say. The court admitted the statement without objection from the defence.

Additionally, the court accepted a flash drive containing video clips of Kanu’s alleged broadcasts, accompanied by a certificate of compliance. Despite initial objections from the defence team, led by Kanu Agabi (SAN), the court admitted the evidence.

During the session, the court viewed a video clip of a 12 December 2020 broadcast in which Nnamdi Kanu declared, “In the blessed land of Biafra, we must do everything to save ourselves from extinction.”

In the footage, Kanu referred to Nigeria as a “zoo” and called for resistance against what he described as “Fulani domination,” accusing political leaders of betraying their people.

Another video showed Kanu introducing the Eastern Security Network, comparing it to other regional outfits like Amotekun, and justifying its formation as a means to protect the South-East from alleged threats posed by Fulani herdsmen. He warned that no Fulani herder would be allowed in the region, stating, “If you are an agent of Fulani, turn your ways this evening.”

The court also viewed footage from the EndSARS protests, in which Kanu was allegedly seen directing attacks on police officers and government infrastructure.

A separate video, dated 30 May 2021, featured Kanu announcing a complete lockdown in the South-East in honour of fallen Biafrans, urging residents to stay indoors.

Further clips allegedly showed Kanu encouraging his supporters to acquire firearms and ammunition for self-defence, citing threats from Boko Haram and describing Fulani herders as terrorists. The witness confirmed the voice in the videos as Kanu’s.

Additionally, the court admitted into evidence a Federal Government gazette dated 20 December 2017, which officially designated the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a terrorist organisation. The defence did not object.

The prosecution then requested an adjournment to allow time to present the remaining video evidence, which was said to last over an hour. With no objection from the defence, the court adjourned the case until 8 May for the continuation of the hearing.