In a significant turn in the ongoing terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the Federal High Court in Abuja has admitted fresh evidence that could reshape the prosecution's case. Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the seven-count charge, ruled on Wednesday to accept a series of damning materials including video footage, a flash drive, a letter from the former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and a certificate of compliance submitted by the prosecution.
The trial, which resumed amid tight security, featured disturbing clips allegedly showing Kanu delivering inflammatory speeches to his followers via Facebook. In the videos played in court, Kanu was heard inciting violence, calling on supporters to kill security operatives and burn down police stations in the Southeast. He also announced the formation of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), encouraging his followers to defend their land from what he termed “Fulani domination.”
A pivotal piece of evidence presented by the prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), came through a witness from the Department of State Services (DSS), identified only by the codename BBB. The court watched footage where a voice attributed to Kanu declared: “Any police officer you kill, go to their station and set it on fire. Kill them. They are janjaweeds.” In another segment, he reportedly called for the killing of soldiers using road traps to cause fatal accidents.
Equally chilling was a clip dated May 30, 2021, showing Kanu enforcing a total lockdown across the South-East, in remembrance of “fallen Biafrans,” warning that those who disobeyed should be ready to face lethal consequences.
Backing these video evidences was a letter dated June 17, 2021, written by former AGF Malami, instructing the DSS to investigate Kanu over allegations of conspiracy, murder, arson, and the relentless killing of security agents. The letter referenced his inciting broadcasts during the 2020 EndSARS protests in Lagos, where he allegedly urged followers to produce Molotov cocktails for attacks.
Surprisingly, the defence, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Emeka Etiaba, did not oppose the admissibility of the materials, stating that doing so would allow the trial to progress unhindered.
With the court's acceptance of these critical exhibits, all eyes are now on the next session. Justice Omotosho has adjourned the case until May 8 for the continuation of trial proceedings, which could be pivotal in determining Kanu’s fate.