… says IPOB leader founded armed group ESN
A prosecution witness on Tuesday told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, admitted to inciting violence and operating an unlicensed radio station.
Testifying behind a screen for security reasons, the Department of State Services (DSS) officer, identified only as “BBB,” appeared as the second prosecution witness (PW2) in Kanu’s ongoing terrorism trial before Justice James Omotosho.
Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), the witness said Kanu voluntarily made a statement in July 2021 in the presence of his lawyers after being informed of an investigation ordered by the Attorney General of the Federation.
The DSS official testified that Kanu confirmed being the voice behind several broadcasts on Radio Biafra, which allegedly urged members of the public to attack police officers.
He also said Kanu acknowledged founding the Eastern Security Network (ESN), described as the armed wing of IPOB.
According to the witness, the radio station operated by Kanu broadcast on 102.1 FM and 88.0 FM without a license from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
The prosecution attempted to tender a compact disc containing a video recording of Kanu’s statement and the letter from the AGF.
However, defence counsel Kanu Agabi (SAN) objected, arguing that the defence had not been served with the documents.
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Justice Omotosho ruled in favour of the defence, stating that under Section 36 of the Constitution, the defendant is entitled to access all materials the prosecution intends to rely on.
He ordered the prosecution to serve the defence with the relevant documents and adjourned the trial to May 7.
Earlier, the first prosecution witness (PW1), identified as “PWAAA,” concluded his testimony. Under cross-examination, he stated that he was involved in the investigation of Kanu but not in drafting the charges.
He also admitted that he was unaware that eight out of the original 15 charges against Kanu had been previously struck out by the court.
In a separate development during the proceedings, Justice Omotosho barred Kanu’s sister-in-law, Mrs. Favour Kanu, from attending the next three sittings for livestreaming the court session in violation of courtroom rules.
The judge cited her for contempt after she admitted to broadcasting the proceedings live on social media. Despite her apology and a plea for leniency from the defence, she was ordered to leave the courtroom immediately.
Kanu is facing terrorism-related charges linked to his activities as the leader of IPOB, which was declared a terrorist organisation by the Nigerian government in 2017.