The Federal High Court in Abuja has received evidence of a radio transmitter allegedly smuggled into Nigeria by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). During a recent session, a Department of State Services (DSS) operative, known as DDD for security reasons, testified about how Kanu reportedly concealed the transmitter in a 20-foot container along with household items, evading declaration to the Nigeria Customs Service.
The witness, appearing as the fourth prosecution witness, revealed that the device was hidden at the home of Benjamin Madubougu in Ihiala, Anambra State. Under the direction of prosecution counsel Adegboyega Awomolo, DDD asserted that Kanu used the transmitter to incite unrest and promote secessionist messages. The court also accepted a certified search warrant from a chief magistrate court in Ihiala, dated October 28, 2015.
A video showing Kanu examining the transmitter, where he described it as a “game changer,” was admitted, despite objections from the defence team led by Onyechi Ikpeazu. The DSS witness confirmed that the agency monitored Kanu’s broadcasts on Radio Biafra.
The prosecution submitted a flash drive containing 18 video clips and 16 audio broadcasts attributed to Kanu, which the court admitted. In one notable broadcast from May 29, 2021, Kanu derided southeast political leaders and issued a sit-at-home order for May 31, threatening death to anyone who disobeyed.
The witness indicated that this broadcast led to significant economic stagnation in the southeast, enforced by the IPOB’s militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). A statement from Madubougu admitting that Kanu did not provide customs documentation for the transmitter was also introduced. Additionally, a newspaper article alleging Kanu’s orders for the collection of human heads was admitted despite defence objections.
The prosecution’s request for a court inspection of the 20-foot container housing the transmitter was granted, with Judge James Omotosho directing that it occur in the presence of journalists. After the inspection, the transmitter was designated ‘exhibit-Y’ and the container ‘exhibit-Z’. The case is set to continue on June 18, 19, and 20.
