Leadnaija
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday admitted video evidence against Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), showing him allegedly making inciting statements that the prosecution claims led to terrorist acts in Nigeria’s South-East.
The video played in court, showed Kanu addressing his followers and referring to the region as “the blessed land of Biafra.”
In the broadcast, he announced the formation of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and urged his supporters to defend their land against what he described as “Fulani domination.”
He warned political leaders in the region against betrayal and issued a message: “No Fulani parading as herdsman shall be allowed in our land. If you are an agent of the Fulani, turn your way this evening.”
The video was stored on a flash drive, which the court admitted as evidence along with a certificate of compliance, despite objections from the defence. The items were marked as Exhibits PWA and PW1.
Justice James Omotoso, who presided over the case, heard from a witness identified only by the codename BBB. The witness, presented by the Department of State Services (DSS), testified that Kanu’s broadcasts incited a wave of violence, including coordinated attacks on police stations and correctional centres.
The prosecution, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, also submitted a letter dated June 17, 2021. Authored by then-Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami (SAN), the letter accused Kanu of terrorism, murder, and incitement to violence. It was admitted without objection and marked as Exhibit PWF.
According to the DSS witness, the letter stated that Kanu had directed his followers to “bring down” security personnel and seize their weapons.
The court also admitted a statement dated July 17, 2021, allegedly made by Kanu during detention, in which he refused to provide further written responses, saying he had already addressed the allegations.
