Court admits video evidence in trial of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, admitted multiple video recordings as evidence in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The footage, which was played during a public court session, allegedly shows Kanu announcing the formation of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and issuing directives for a lockdown in Nigeria’s South-East region.

According to the Federal Government, these recordings contain inflammatory remarks by Kanu that form part of the basis for the terrorism-related charges brought against him.

One of the videos was tagged ‘Broadcast by Nnamdi Kanu’, and Kanu was visibly seen addressing his followers on 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”.

Kanu warned political leaders in the region against compromise and issued a directive forbidden the presence of Fulani herdsmen, 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 its witness code-named PWBBB, claimed that the broadcast incited acts of terrorism across the South-East.

The witness was led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN. During his evidence, he tendered a flash drive containing recordings of Kanu’s activities before he was apprehended for inciting violence and terrorism.

The device was admitted as evidence alongside a certificate of compliance, despite vehement objections from Kanu’s lawyers.

They were marked as Exhibits PWA and PW1, respectively.

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 the loss of lives and property.

He quoted the letter 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 he had already addressed the allegations.

In another played video clip, recorded on December 12, 2020, Kanu was seen making a broadcast declaring: “In the blessed land of Biafra, we must do everything to save ourselves from extinction.”

He described Nigeria as a “zoo” and called for resistance against what he termed Fulani domination, accusing political leaders of betraying the people.

In another video, Kanu introduced the Eastern Security Network (ESN), comparing it to regional security outfits like South West Amotekun and said it was necessary to defend the South-East from Fulani herders.

The court also viewed footage from the #EndSARS protests, where Kanu was seen directing attacks on police and government facilities.

A separate video dated May 30, 2021, showed Kanu declaring a total lockdown in the South-East in memory of fallen Biafrans, instructing residents not to leave their homes.

Another clip showed Kanu asking his followers to procure guns and bullets for self-defence, specifically referencing threats from Boko Haram and labelling Fulani herders as terrorists.

The witness confirmed the voice in the videos as Kanu’s.

Additionally, the Federal Government’s gazette officially proscribing IPOB as a terrorist organization, dated September 20, 2017 was admitted as an exhibit without objection from the defence.

The Federal Government lawyer thereafter requested an adjournment to continue playing the remaining footage, noting it exceeded an hour.

The defence raised no objections, prompting Justice James Kolawole Omotosho to adjourn the matter to May 8 for continuation of trial.