On Wednesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja admitted into evidence a collection of video recordings featuring Biafra agitator Nnamdi Kanu announcing the establishment of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and declaring lockdown directives across the South-East.
During an open court session, the videos were played showing the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) making statements deemed inflammatory by the Federal Government and which formed the basis of the terrorism charges brought against him.
In one particular video titled ‘Broadcast by Nnamdi Kanu,’ he was shown addressing his supporters regarding what he described as “The Blessed Land of Biafra.” He declared the formation of ESN and called on his followers to protect their land from what he referred to as “Fulani domination.”
He cautioned regional political figures against collaboration and issued a directive warning against the presence of Fulani herders, stating: “No Fulani parading as herdsmen shall be allowed in our land. If you are an agent of the Fulani, turn away this evening.”
The Federal Government, through a witness identified as PWBBB, alleged that the broadcast triggered acts of terrorism across the South-East.
The prosecution, led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, guided the witness as he submitted a flash drive containing the recordings of Kanu’s broadcasts before his arrest on allegations of incitement and terrorism.
The court accepted the flash drive and a certificate of compliance as exhibits, identified as PWA and PW1, despite strong objections from the defence team.
Earlier in the hearing, the court also received a letter dated June 17, 2021, written by former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), which accused Kanu of terrorism, murder, and inciting violence. This document, addressed to the DSS, was accepted without dispute and labelled as Exhibit PWF.
The witness, referencing the letter, claimed Kanu’s broadcasts preceded organized assaults on police facilities and prisons, which resulted in casualties and destruction of property. He quoted the letter indicating Kanu had called for security agents to be “brought down” and for their arms to be taken.
Another document submitted was a statement dated July 17, 2021, allegedly made by Kanu during his detention, where he declined to offer more written responses, stating that he had already addressed the issues.
In an additional video shown to the court, dated December 12, 2020, Kanu was seen making a declaration: “In the blessed land of Biafra, we must do everything to save ourselves from extinction.” He described Nigeria as a “zoo” and urged resistance to what he termed Fulani domination while accusing political elites of betrayal.
Another recording showed Kanu unveiling the Eastern Security Network (ESN), likening it to regional defence initiatives like South West’s Amotekun, and stating it was essential to defend the South-East from Fulani herders.
Footage from the #EndSARS demonstrations was also played, depicting Kanu instructing attacks on police and government institutions. In a separate video from May 30, 2021, he was seen declaring a complete lockdown in the South-East in memory of deceased Biafrans, directing residents to stay indoors.
Yet another clip had Kanu encouraging his supporters to acquire firearms and ammunition for self-defence, citing threats from Boko Haram and labelling Fulani herders as terrorists.
The witness confirmed that the voice heard in the videos belonged to Kanu.
Additionally, the court admitted a Federal Government gazette dated September 20, 2017, which formally designated IPOB as a terrorist organization. This was accepted without resistance from the defence.
Following this, the government’s lawyer requested an adjournment to allow for the continuation of the video presentation, explaining that the remaining clips exceed one hour in length. The defence raised no objections, leading Justice James Kolawole Omotosho to adjourn the proceedings to May 8 for continuation of the trial.
What you should know
The government is aiming to link Nnamdi Kanu’s public broadcasts to a pattern of violence in the South-East.
The court’s decision to accept the video evidence and supporting documents marks a significant development in the terrorism case against the IPOB leader.
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