The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, Wednesday, played a video recording showing Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), issuing inciting directives which the prosecution said triggered acts of terrorism in the South-East part of Nigeria.
Justice James Omotoso, the trial judge, heard from a witness brought by the Department of State Services (DSS), identified only by the codename BBB, how Kanu’s inciting statements and directives led to violent destruction in the region.
The witness was led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN.
The Kanu’s broadcast was contained in a flash drive, which was admitted as exhibit.
The device was admitted as evidence alongside a certificate of compliance, despite objections from the defence.
They were marked as Exhibits PWA and PW1, respectively.
When the video was played in the open court, Kanu was seen addressing his followers in what he called “the blessed land of Biafra.”
He announced the formation of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), urging followers to defend their land against what he referred to as “Fulani domination.”
He warned political leaders in the region against compromises and issued a directive forbidding the presence of Fulani herdsmen, stating: “No Fulani parading as herdsman shall be allowed in our land. If you are an agent of the Fulani, turn your way this evening.”
Earlier in the session, the court admitted a letter dated June 17, 2021, authored by the former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), which accused Kanu of terrorism, murder, and incitement to violence.
The letter, addressed to the DSS, was tendered without objection and marked as Exhibit PWF.
Reading from the document, the witness alleged that Kanu’s broadcasts were followed by coordinated attacks on police stations and correctional facilities, resulting in loss of lives and property.
He quoted the petition as saying Kanu had instructed that security operatives be “brought down” and their weapons seized.
Also admitted was a statement dated July 17, 2021, purportedly made by Kanu during his detention, where he declined to make further written statements, asserting that he had already addressed the allegations.
