FG Plays Nnamdi Kanu’s Broadcast, Videos In Court To Establish Alleged Terrorism Charge

The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), proceeded on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the Federal government’s prosecution counsel presented “Radio Biafra” broadcasts and videos in open court to substantiate the terrorism charges leveled against him.

The broadcast and video materials, submitted as exhibits, were introduced through the second prosecution witness (PW-2), known as BBB, before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The recordings allegedly contained statements made by Kanu during times of national turmoil, such as the 2020 EndSARS protests and various security incidents in the South-East.

According to reports, in one broadcast, Kanu was allegedly heard decrying attacks by Fulani herders and accusing Nigerian governors of betraying the South-East region.

He also reportedly made contentious 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 broadcasts’ content reportedly varied from urging self-defense to directly criticizing perceived government shortcomings.

It was noted that a major point of dispute was the interpretation of the broadcasts, with the prosecution arguing that the statements incited violence and advanced secessionist goals, while Kanu’s defense team, led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), asserted that the broadcasts were political expressions safeguarded by constitutional rights.

The prosecution’s witness, during examination, verified Kanu’s identity in the videos and sought to connect the broadcasts to violent incidents, including attacks on security facilities.

However, when questioned on specific charges, the witness acknowledged being unaware that some of those charges had previously been dismissed by the court.

A significant portion of the day’s hearing also focused on the 2017 proscription of IPOB.

The defense raised no objections to the admission of the proscription document but highlighted that the ban was enacted through an ex parte order without IPOB’s legal representation.

The court was also shown a letter from the former Attorney General of the Federation ordering Kanu’s arrest, which the defense claimed had not been initially provided to them.

Justice Omotosho had previously emphasized that all evidence must be properly served to the defense to ensure a fair hearing.

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

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli