Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has admitted to establishing Radio Biafra in London, asserting that his actions were rooted in the struggle for the emancipation of the South-East, South-South, and parts of Benue and Kogi states.
Testifying in court, Kanu stated that Radio Biafra was not registered with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) because it was established in London, where it was duly registered. He argued that there was no obligation to register the station in Nigeria.
He maintained that his role as a freedom fighter is within the bounds of the law, emphasizing that such advocacy is a constitutional right and not a crime under Nigerian or international law. Kanu also distanced himself from any form of violence, reiterating that he had only exercised his rights under the law.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has begun presenting its witnesses in the ongoing trial, following a ruling by Justice James Omotosho permitting them to testify behind a screen. This followed an ex-parte application by the prosecution, led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, who argued for witness protection due to security concerns and the sensitive nature of the case.
The court granted the request, allowing the witnesses to testify with their identities concealed and names replaced with acronyms. However, the judge will be able to see the witnesses during their testimony. The defence, led by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, did not oppose the application.
Following the court’s decision, the prosecution opened its case with its first witness, identified as PWA.
Kanu’s trial, which commenced afresh after the reassignment of his case to Justice Omotosho, sees him facing a seven-count charge bordering on treasonable felony. He has pleaded not guilty.
In court, a video recording of Kanu’s interrogation by the Department of State Services (DSS) was played, alongside the statement he made on October 15, 2015. Suitcases recovered from his hotel room in 2015 were also brought into the courtroom and displayed. The defence raised no objections.
