FG plays video/audio of Kanu’s inciting violence in Court to support terrorism allegations
The Federal Government on Wednesday resumed the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where it played audio and video recordings of his alleged broadcasts on “Radio Biafra” as part of efforts to substantiate terrorism charges against him.
The recordings, submitted as exhibits through the second prosecution witness identified as BBB, were played in open court before Justice James Omotosho.
They reportedly contained comments made by Kanu during sensitive national events, including the 2020 EndSARS protests and several security crises in the South-East.
In one of the clips, Kanu allegedly accused Nigerian governors of failing the South-East and condemned attacks by Fulani herders.
He also reportedly criticised political figures such as Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma and former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The broadcasts, according to the prosecution, included calls for self-defence and remarks that allegedly incited violence and promoted secessionist ideologies.
Kanu’s legal team, led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), argued that the comments were within his constitutional rights to political expression.
The prosecution witness confirmed Kanu’s identity in the videos and linked the content to attacks on security formations.
Under cross-examination, the witness admitted being unaware that some charges had previously been dismissed by the court.
Another point of legal contention was the 2017 proscription of IPOB. While the defense did not oppose the tendering of the proscription document, they noted that the order was granted ex parte, without IPOB’s legal representation.
The court also received a letter from the former Attorney General directing Kanu’s arrest—though the defense challenged its admissibility, claiming it had not been served earlier as required.
Justice Omotosho reiterated the need for fair hearing and insisted that all evidence must be properly served to the defense.
The trial is scheduled to continue on Thursday, May 8, with further examination of prosecution witnesses.
