During a session of Nnamdi Kanu’s ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja, a witness testified that the leader of the banned Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) admitted to inciting the public to attack police officers. The witness, a Department of State Services (DSS) official identified only as BBB, gave his testimony behind a screen for security reasons.
BBB, who is the second prosecution witness, detailed that Kanu, in his statement, acknowledged operating an illegal radio station. This station, broadcasting on the unlicensed frequencies of 102.1 FM and 88.0 FM, was identified as Radio Biafra. Kanu reportedly confessed that the voice on broadcasts, which called for violence against the police, was his own.
In addition to his leadership of IPOB, Kanu was also identified as the founder of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the group’s armed faction. The witness confirmed that Kanu sought the secession of the southeastern states of Nigeria, along with parts of Kogi and Benue states.
Kanu was questioned about his illegal activities, with BBB revealing that the statement-taking session with the defendant in July 2021 was recorded. A video recording of the session and a letter from the Attorney General of the Federation were presented as evidence. However, Kanu’s defence lawyer, Kanu Agabi, objected to submitting these documents, claiming the defence had not been provided with copies beforehand. The judge, Justice James Omotosho, ruled that the defence must be given access to all the materials the prosecution intended to use.
Earlier, the first witness in the case, PW1, had completed their testimony and was cross-examined by the defence. The court also took action against Kanu’s sister-in-law, Favour Kanu, who was caught streaming the court proceedings on social media. Justice Omotosho ordered her removal from the courtroom and barred her from attending future hearings, citing contempt of court.
The case has been adjourned for further proceedings.
