BREAKING: Court plays video evidence in Nnamdi Kanu’s terrorism trial

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, displayed a video recording of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in which he issued inflammatory directives that the prosecution claims incited acts of terrorism in Nigeria’s South-East region.

Justice James Omotoso, the presiding judge, listened to testimony from a witness presented by the Department of State Services (DSS), identified only by the codename BBB. The witness described how Kanu’s inciting remarks and directives led to violent destruction throughout the region.

The video, which was stored on a flash drive, was presented as evidence by the prosecution, led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN. The flash drive was admitted into the court as Exhibit PWA, along with a certificate of compliance, despite objections from the defense.

During the court session, the video was played, showing Kanu addressing his followers, referring to the region as the “blessed land of Biafra.” In the recording, Kanu announced the creation of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and urged his followers to defend their land against what he described as “Fulani domination.”

Kanu also issued a direct warning to political leaders in the region, urging them to avoid compromising with the government, and he explicitly banned the presence of Fulani herdsmen in the area. He stated, “No Fulani parading as herdsmen shall be allowed in our land. If you are an agent of the Fulani, turn your way this evening.”

In an earlier part of the proceedings, the court admitted a letter from June 17, 2021, written 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.

The witness testified that Kanu’s broadcasts incited coordinated attacks on police stations and correctional facilities, resulting in deaths and property destruction. He referenced a petition stating that Kanu had ordered that security personnel be “brought down” and their weapons seized.

Additionally, a statement made by Kanu on July 17, 2021, during his detention, was admitted into evidence. In that statement, Kanu refused to provide further written statements, claiming that he had already addressed the allegations.