By Charles Maduka
The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), continued on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, with the court admitting a series of written statements and broadcast recordings as evidence in the ongoing terrorism case.
Justice James Omotosho presided over the session where the prosecution presented more materials aimed at linking Kanu to acts of terrorism, incitement, and violence across various parts of Nigeria.
A prosecution witness, identified by the initials BBB, resumed his testimony under the guidance of the prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN). He referenced a letter from former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, dated June 17, 2021, addressed to the Department of State Services (DSS), which accused Kanu of terrorism, murder, and inciting violence. The document was admitted in court as Exhibit PWF without objection from the defence team, led by Kanu Agabi (SAN).
According to the witness, the letter stated that Kanu used his broadcasts to instruct his followers to attack and disarm Nigerian security personnel. It also detailed a series of violent acts allegedly inspired by his messages, including the destruction of police stations, correctional centres, and other public institutions.
The court also accepted a written statement made by Kanu on July 17, 2021, where he told DSS operatives that he had nothing more to add beyond what he had already stated. This was marked as Exhibit PEG.
Further evidence included a flash drive said to contain several of Kanu’s broadcasts. Despite the defence’s objection, the court admitted the drive as Exhibits PWA and PW1.
Multiple video and audio recordings were played during the trial. In one, dated December 12, Kanu was heard warning against “Fulani domination” and ordering Southeast governors not to allow any herdsmen into the region. In other recordings, a voice identified as Kanu’s allegedly issued violent commands, including “Go and burn down Lagos,” “Set Murtala Mohammed Airport on fire,” “Kill soldiers,” and “Ambush security agents.”
One recording was reportedly from the October 2020 EndSARS protests, during which callers from various locations reached out to Kanu. In response to a request for weapons from Ogbor Hill in Aba, he allegedly directed the caller to join a so-called Biafra volunteer force.
Another clip reportedly featured the voice threatening business owners in the Southeast who failed to observe a sit-at-home order. “If you dare open your shop tomorrow, we’ll burn you inside that shop,” the voice warned.
In a different audio, the speaker urged someone to retrieve firearms stored in Edo State and use them to attack military personnel. “Take their guns and use them to attack others,” the voice said.
The prosecution claimed that Kanu admitted to making these statements when they were played to him by the DSS.
The final video presented to the court showed Kanu addressing a group and calling for armed resistance, declaring that the only way to prevent a Fulani takeover of Nigeria was through revolution.
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