The Federal High Court in Abuja has been presented with evidence alleging that Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), smuggled a radio transmitter into Nigeria, concealing it among household items.
Testifying as the fourth prosecution witness, a Department of State Services (DSS) operative identified as “Mister DDD” stated that the transmitter was secretly brought into the country without declaration to the Nigeria Customs Service. It was reportedly hidden at the residence of Benjamin Madubougu in Ihiala, Anambra State.
During the court proceedings, led by prosecution counsel Adegboyega Awomolo, the witness alleged that Kanu used the transmitter to incite violence and disseminate secessionist messages targeting the Nigerian state.
The court admitted into evidence a certified copy of a search warrant issued by the Ihiala Chief Magistrate Court on October 28, 2015. Additionally, a video recording of Kanu inspecting the transmitter was tendered and accepted, despite objections from the defence team led by Onyechi Ikpeazu.
In the video, played during the session, Kanu was allegedly seen describing the transmitter as a “game changer” and likening it to a “nuclear weapon for Biafra.” He also reportedly issued threats against residents of the South-East who defied IPOB’s sit-at-home order scheduled for May 31, 2021, warning of violent repercussions for non-compliance.
DSS witness said, “From my investigation, the broadcast directly contributed to economic paralysis in the South-East, as it fueled the enforcement of IPOB’s sit-at-home order by its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).”
The prosecution tendered a flash drive containing 18 video clips and 16 radio broadcasts attributed to Kanu, which the court admitted into evidence.
Additionally, the statement of Benjamin Madubougu was presented to the court, wherein he admitted that Kanu did not provide any customs documentation for the imported transmitter.
The court also admitted a newspaper in which an alleged ESN member claimed that Kanu ordered the collection of 2,000 human heads for burial rites, although only 30 were reportedly obtained.
Despite objections from the defence, the court admitted the newspaper article into evidence, along with a certificate of compliance.
The prosecution also requested the court to inspect the container housing the radio transmitter and related items currently held at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility. This request was granted without opposition.
Presiding Judge Justice James Omotoso ruled that the court would visit the DSS premises for the inspection and adjourned further proceedings. He underscored the court’s obligation to thoroughly examine all evidence in the interest of justice.
During a session held at the DSS headquarters in Abuja, Justice Omotoso admitted the container as Exhibit PWY and the radio transmitter as Exhibit PWZ. The decision to hold the session at the DSS facility followed an oral application by prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo, who sought the court’s inspection of the items stored there.
The case was adjourned to June 18, 19, and 20, during which the prosecution is expected to close its arguments.