The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday admitted a series of video clips as evidence, purportedly showing Biafra agitator Nnamdi Kanu announcing the creation of the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The videos, played during the court session, captured the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) making what prosecutors described as inflammatory statements, which form part of the terrorism charges against him.
One of the recordings, labelled “Broadcast by Nnamdi Kanu,” featured Kanu addressing his followers about the establishment of the ESN. He urged them to defend their land from what he called “Fulani domination” and warned political leaders against compromising the security of the Southeast.
Kanu also issued a directive against the presence of Fulani herdsmen in the region, stating emphatically, “No Fulani parading as herdsmen shall be allowed in our land,” and further added, “If you are an agent of the Fulani, turn your way this evening.”
The Federal Government’s witness, identified as PWBBB, testified that Kanu’s broadcasts incited acts of terrorism across the Southeast. Led by prosecuting counsel Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), the witness presented a flash drive containing multiple recordings of Kanu’s activities, which was admitted as evidence despite objections from Kanu’s legal team. The flash drive and its accompanying certificate of compliance were marked as Exhibits PWA and PW1.
Additionally, the court admitted a letter dated June 17, 2021, from former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), accusing Kanu of terrorism, murder, and incitement to violence. The letter, addressed to the Department of State Services (DSS), was submitted without objection and marked as Exhibit PWF.
The witness, reading from the letter, alleged that Kanu’s broadcasts sparked coordinated attacks on police stations and correctional facilities, leading to the loss of lives and destruction of property. He claimed Kanu had directed his followers to “bring down” security operatives and seize their weapons.
Also admitted was a statement dated July 17, 2021, in which Kanu, during his detention, declined to provide further written statements, asserting that he had already addressed the allegations against him.
