Terrorism: Nnamdi Kanu’s broadcast, videos played in court

Terrorism: Nnamdi Kanu’s broadcast, videos played in court

The ongoing trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, continued on Wednesday May 7, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja with the Federal government prosecution counsel playing some of the ”Radio Biafra”’ broadcast and videos made in open court to establish the allegation of terrorism preferred against him.

The broadcast and video documents, which were marked as exhibits, were tendered through the 2nd prosecution witness (PW-2), identified as BBB, before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The recordings were said to have featured statements allegedly made by Kanu during periods of national unrest, including the 2020 EndSARS protests and various security incidents in the South-East.

According to reports, in one of the broadcasts, Kanu was reportedly heard lamenting Fulani herders’ attacks and accusing Nigerian governors of betraying the South-East region.

He also reportedly made controversial remarks about prominent political figures, including Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma and former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The content of the broadcasts reportedly ranged from calls for self-defense to direct criticisms of perceived government failures.

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It was gathered that a key point of contention was the interpretation of the broadcasts, as while the prosecution argued that the statements incited violence and promoted secessionist agendas, Kanu’s defense team, led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), maintained that the broadcasts were political expressions protected under constitutional rights.

The prosecution’s witness, under examination, confirmed Kanu’s identity in the videos and attempted to link the broadcasts to violent incidents, including attacks on security facilities.

However, when questioned on certain charges, the witness admitted being unaware that some of the said charges had been previously struck out by the court.

A notable portion of today’s hearing also centered around the 2017 proscription of IPOB.

The defense made no objections to the admission of the proscription document but pointed out that the ban was imposed through an ex parte order without IPOB’s legal representation.

The court was also presented with a letter from the former Attorney General of the Federation directing Kanu’s arrest, a document which the defence insisted was not initially served to them.

Justice Omotosho had earlier insisted that all evidence must be duly served to the defence in the interest of fair hearing.

The trial was adjourned to Thursday, May 8, for continuation of the examination of prosecution witnesses.

Terrorism: Nnamdi Kanu’s broadcast, videos played in court