The Federal High Court in Abuja has admitted as exhibits a series of video clips featuring Nnamdi Kanu, the Biafra nation agitator, announcing the creation of the Eastern Security Network (ESN). These videos, played in open court, show the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) issuing statements that the Federal Government considers inflammatory, forming the basis for terrorism charges against him.

One video, titled “Broadcast by Nnamdi Kanu,” showed Kanu addressing followers on what he termed “The Blessed Land of Biafra.” He announced the formation of the ESN, urging his followers to defend their land against “Fulani domination.” Kanu also warned political leaders against compromise and forbade the presence of Fulani herdsmen, stating, “No Fulani parading as herdsmen shall be allowed in our land. If you are an agent of the Fulani, turn your way this evening.”

The Federal Government, through its witness code-named PWBBB, claimed Kanu’s broadcasts incited acts of terrorism across the Southeast. The witness, led by prosecuting counsel Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, presented a flash drive containing recordings of Kanu’s activities before his apprehension for inciting violence and terrorism. The device was admitted as evidence, marked as Exhibits PWA and PW1, alongside a certificate of compliance, despite objections from Kanu’s lawyers.

Earlier, the court admitted a letter dated June 17, 2021, from former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami (SAN), accusing Kanu of terrorism, murder, and incitement to violence. This letter, addressed to the DSS, was marked as Exhibit PWF. The witness alleged that Kanu’s broadcasts were followed by coordinated attacks on police stations and correctional facilities, resulting in loss of lives and property. The letter quoted Kanu as instructing followers to “bring down” security operatives and seize their weapons.

A statement dated July 17, 2021, purportedly made by Kanu during his detention, was also admitted, where he declined to make further written statements, asserting he had already addressed the allegations. Another video clip, recorded on December 12, 2020, showed Kanu declaring, “In the blessed land of Biafra, we must do everything to save ourselves from extinction.” He described Nigeria as a “zoo,” called for resistance against Fulani domination, and accused political leaders of betraying the people.

In another video, Kanu introduced the ESN, comparing it to regional security outfits like South West Amotekun, stating it was necessary to defend the South-East from Fulani herders. The court also viewed footage from the #EndSARS protests, where Kanu was seen directing attacks on police and government facilities. A video dated May 30, 2021, showed Kanu declaring a total lockdown in the South-East in memory of fallen Biafrans, instructing residents to stay home.

Another clip showed Kanu asking his followers to procure guns and bullets for self-defence, referencing threats from Boko Haram and labeling Fulani herders as terrorists. The witness confirmed the voice in the videos as Kanu’s. Additionally, the Federal Government’s gazette officially proscribing IPOB as a terrorist organization, dated September 20, 2017, was admitted as an exhibit.

During one of the radio broadcasts made by Kanu on Biafra Radio on October 20, 2020, during #ENDSARS protest was played in the open court. In the live broadcast, Kanu was heard calling on the youth to attack the police officers and soldiers anywhere they were found. The IPOB leader, in the broadcast, called on the protesters to ambush the security personnel, snatched their guns and killed them.

The Federal Government lawyer requested an adjournment to continue playing the remaining footage, which exceeded an hour. The defence did not object, and Justice James Kolawole Omotosho adjourned the matter to May 8 for continuation of the trial. The prosecution is using these exhibits to establish the terrorism allegations against Kanu.