The trial of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, resumed before Justice James Omotosho of the High Court, Abuja, with the prosecution presenting key exhibits allegedly linking the defendant to acts of terrorism.
Led by prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, the prosecution’s witness, identified as BBB, resumed testimony, focusing on a petition purportedly authored by former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, SAN, and addressed to the Department of State Services (DSS).
The petition accused Kanu of terrorism, murder, and incitement to violence against Nigerian security agencies. The document, dated June 17, 2021, was admitted into evidence as Exhibit PWF without objection from the defense, led by Kanu Agabi, SAN.
The witness read portions of the petition, which alleged that Kanu, through various broadcasts, incited violence against police and military personnel, resulting in numerous attacks, including arson and the destruction of public institutions such as police stations and correctional centers. According to the witness, “He instructed, through his broadcast, that police and army seen, should be brought down and their guns seized and used.”
The court also admitted Kanu’s written statement to the DSS, dated July 17, 2021, in which he declined to provide further written submissions, stating that he had already addressed the allegations. This document was marked as Exhibit PEG.
A flash drive allegedly containing Kanu’s broadcasts was introduced as evidence. Despite objections from the defense, the flash drive and its accompanying certificate of compliance were admitted as Exhibits PWA and PW1, respectively.
Several audio and video recordings were played in court, with voices alleged to be Kanu’s issuing directives that included violent actions such as “burn down Lagos,” “set Murtala Mohammed Airport on fire,” and “start killing soldiers now.” The witness testified that these recordings were played to Kanu during interrogation, and he reportedly admitted to making them.
The court also admitted additional exhibits, including a CD containing Kanu’s DSS interrogation and a Federal Government gazette from September 20, 2017, which declared IPOB a terrorist organization.
Prosecution counsel Awomolo requested an adjournment, and the court scheduled the continuation of the trial for Thursday, May 8, 2025.
