The Federal High Court in Abuja has accepted as evidence a radio transmitter purportedly smuggled into Nigeria by Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). During a recent court session, a witness from the Department of State Services (DSS), referred to as DDD for security reasons, testified that Kanu concealed the transmitter within a 20-foot container filled with household items. The witness stated that the transmitter was brought into the country without the necessary declaration to the Nigeria Customs Service.
Furthermore, DDD revealed that the transmitter was hidden at the residence of one Benjamin Madubougu in Ihiala, Anambra State. Under questioning by the prosecution’s counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, the witness claimed Kanu utilised the device to incite violence and spread secessionist messages. The court also accepted a certified search warrant from a chief magistrate court in Ihiala, issued on October 28, 2015.
A video showing Kanu inspecting the transmitter was presented, despite initial objections from the defence led by Onyechi Ikpeazu. In the footage, Kanu lauded the transmitter, calling it a “game changer” for Biafra. The witness confirmed that the DSS had a dedicated team monitoring Kanu’s broadcasts on Radio Biafra.
Additionally, a flash drive containing 18 video clips and 16 audio broadcasts linked to Kanu was submitted and accepted as evidence. In one broadcast from May 29, 2021, Kanu disparaged southeast political leaders and declared a sit-at-home order for May 31, threatening death to anyone who defied it.
The witness asserted that this broadcast significantly contributed to economic disruption in the southeast, exacerbated by the enforcement of IPOB’s directive by its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Madubougu’s admission that Kanu provided no customs documentation for the transmitter was also presented. The court allowed a newspaper article alleging that Kanu ordered the collection of human heads for burial rites, despite defence objections.
The prosecution requested a court inspection of the 20-foot container containing the transmitter, which was granted. Judge James Omotosho then directed the inspection to proceed with journalists present. Following the inspection, the transmitter was marked as ‘exhibit-Y’ and the container as ‘exhibit-Z’. The case was adjourned until June 18, 19, and 20, when the prosecution is expected to conclude its case.