The Department of State Services (DSS) on Friday told the Federal High Court in Abuja, that broadcasts by the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, directly contributed to economic paralysis in the South-East.
Testifying before Justice James Omotosho, the fourth prosecution witness, a DSS operative identified only as Mr. DDD for security reasons, said Kanu’s inflammatory messages incited the militant enforcement of the IPOB sit-at-home orders through its Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“From my investigation, the defendant’s broadcasts directly contributed to economic paralysis in the South-East, as they fueled the enforcement of IPOB’s sit-at-home order,” Mr. DDD stated, while being led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN).
The witness further told the court that Kanu smuggled a radio transmitter into Nigeria concealed in household items, without declaring it to the Nigerian Customs Service.
The device was allegedly hidden at the Ihiala, Anambra State, residence of one Benjamin Madubougu.
According to the DSS operative, Kanu used the transmitter to incite violence and promote secessionist ideologies.
“We obtained a search warrant, searched Benjamin’s residence, and recovered the transmitter along with firearms, cartridges, Biafran currency, and Indian hemp,” he said.
The court admitted into evidence a certified true copy of the search warrant issued by the Ihiala Chief Magistrate Court on October 28, 2015.
A video showing Kanu inspecting the transmitter, describing it as a “game changer” and a “nuclear weapon” for Biafra, was played in open court and admitted as evidence, despite objections from the defence team led by Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN).
In the footage, Kanu also warned residents of the South-East not to defy IPOB’s sit-at-home order scheduled for May 31, 2021, threatening retaliation against violators.
The prosecution also tendered a flash drive containing 18 video clips and 16 radio broadcasts allegedly linked to Kanu, which the court accepted into evidence.
In addition, a statement by Madubougu confirming the smuggling of the transmitter and the lack of customs documentation was presented.
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One of the most controversial pieces of evidence was a Vanguard newspaper publication in which an alleged ESN member claimed that Kanu had ordered the collection of 2,000 human heads for traditional burial rites, although only 30 were reportedly obtained.
The defence team objected to its admissibility, but the court admitted the article alongside a certificate of compliance.
The prosecution further requested that the court inspect the container housing the transmitter and related items, currently stored at the DSS facility in the Presidential Villa.
The application was granted unopposed.
Justice Omotosho, in his ruling, said the court would visit the DSS premises to examine the physical evidence and adjourned further proceedings.
He reaffirmed the court’s commitment to scrutinising all presented materials in the interest of justice.
Nnamdi Kanu is facing multiple charges, including terrorism, secessionist propaganda, and unlawful possession of arms.
