Court admits Kanu’s broadcasts, statement as evidence in terrorism trial

The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), continued at the Federal High Court in Abuja, with Justice James Omotosho presiding.

During the proceedings, the prosecution presented further evidence to substantiate the claims that Kanu was involved in terrorism.

A key witness, identified as BBB, resumed testimony under the guidance of the prosecuting lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo.

The witness referenced a letter from the former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, which accused Kanu of terrorism, murder, and incitement of violence against Nigerian security forces.

The letter, dated June 17, 2021, was admitted as Exhibit PWF after no objection was raised by the defense.

The letter, which was read out in court, contained Kanu’s alleged instructions to bring down police and military personnel and seize their weapons.

The prosecution also claimed Kanu’s words led to violent attacks on police stations, correctional facilities, and other public properties.

Additionally, the court accepted a written statement Kanu had given to the Department of State Services (DSS) on July 17, 2021, where he refused to provide any new information, asserting that he had already made his points.

This statement was marked as Exhibit PEG. A flash drive containing Kanu’s broadcasts was also admitted as evidence, despite objections from the defense, and was marked as Exhibits PWA and PW1.

During the trial, several video and audio recordings were played in court.

One of the clips, dated December 12, featured Kanu speaking from “the blessed land of Biafra,” warning against “Fulani domination” and issuing threats to Southeast governors.

Another video contained Kanu allegedly urging people to set fire to various locations, including Lagos and Murtala Mohammed Airport.

Further recordings depicted Kanu allegedly instructing his followers to ambush and kill police officers, burn down government buildings, and manufacture weapons.

In another disturbing clip, Kanu reportedly stated, “Every Federal government building in Lagos should be set on fire. Any government vehicle you see, burn them. Manufacture your own weapons, ambush them.” He further encouraged the killing of police officers and their families, instructing that police stations be set on fire afterward.

The court also heard audio from the October 2020 End SARS protests, where Kanu allegedly discussed arming his followers and called for a total shutdown in the Southeast, threatening to burn anyone who defied the order.

Further recordings reportedly included plans to acquire guns from Edo State to kill army officers and use the weapons to launch attacks.

The prosecution witness confirmed that these recordings were played to Kanu, and the defendant allegedly admitted making them.

The final video presented in court showed Kanu speaking at a gathering, stating that weapons were needed for the Biafran cause to fight against what he described as Fulani domination and calling for a revolution to stop it.