The Department of State Services (DSS) on Friday told the Federal High Court in Abuja that radio broadcasts by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), directly led to economic paralysis in the South-East region and incited violence.
A DSS operative, identified only as Mr. DDD for security reasons, testified before Justice James Omotosho. Led in evidence by prosecution counsel Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), Mr. DDD asserted that Kanu’s broadcasts fuelled the enforcement of IPOB’s sit-at-home order through its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“From my investigation, the defendant’s broadcasts directly contributed to economic paralysis in the South-East, as they fuelled the enforcement of IPOB’s sit-at-home order,” Mr. DDD told the court.
The witness also detailed how Kanu allegedly smuggled a radio transmitter into Nigeria, concealing it within household items to evade detection. He stated that the undeclared transmitter was hidden at the residence of one Benjamin Madubougu in Ihiala, Anambra State, and was used by Kanu to incite violence and spread secessionist messages against the Federal Government.
Upon obtaining a search warrant, DSS operatives recovered the transmitter, along with firearms, cartridges, Biafran currency, and Indian hemp, from Madubougu’s residence. The court admitted a certified true copy of the search warrant, issued by the Ihiala Chief Magistrate Court on October 28, 2015, into evidence.
Despite objections from the defence team, led by Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), a video recording showing Kanu inspecting the smuggled transmitter was tendered and admitted. In the video, played in open court, Kanu was heard praising the transmitter as a “game changer” and a “nuclear weapon” for Biafra. He also warned South-East residents against defying IPOB’s sit-at-home order scheduled for May 31, 2021, threatening violence against violators.
Further evidence admitted by the court included a flash drive containing 18 video clips and 16 radio broadcasts attributed to Kanu. A statement from Benjamin Madubougu was also presented, in which he admitted that Kanu had not provided any customs documentation for the imported transmitter.
The prosecution also tendered a publication from Vanguard newspaper, which quoted an alleged ESN member claiming Kanu ordered the collection of 2,000 human heads for burial rites, with only 30 reportedly obtained. The court admitted the newspaper article along with a certificate of compliance, despite defence objections.
The prosecution subsequently applied for the court to inspect the container housing the transmitter and other related items, currently held at the DSS facility in the Presidential Villa. Justice Omotoso granted the request without opposition, emphasizing the court’s duty to thoroughly examine all evidence for justice. The judge adjourned further proceedings, indicating the court would visit the DSS premises for the inspection.
Kanu’s Broadcasts ‘Paralysed South-East Economy,’ Incited Violence, DSS Tells Court
