A Federal High Court in Abuja has admitted into evidence a radio transmitter and a 20-foot container allegedly smuggled into Nigeria by Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The items, which the Department of State Services (DSS) claims were used to operate Radio Biafra, were presented during proceedings held at the DSS headquarters.
Justice James Omotosho granted an application by prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), who requested that the court relocate temporarily to inspect the transmitter and container, which were in the custody of the DSS. The judge admitted the items as Exhibits PWY (the container) and PWZ (the transmitter).
A DSS operative, who testified as the fourth prosecution witness, told the court that “in October 2015, our agency received intelligence that the defendant had smuggled a radio transmitter hidden in a container into the country.” He added that “the transmitter, which was concealed among household items, was not declared to the Nigeria Customs Service and was to be used to broadcast Radio Biafra.”
He also said: “After I watched the video, I was instructed to obtain a warrant, locate the transmitter, and relocate it.”
The witness said the search warrant, obtained from a Chief Magistrate Court in Ihiala, led to a raid on the residence of Benjamin Madubugu in Ubuluisiuzor, where the container was found. “We recovered the radio transmitter, two pump-action guns without licenses, laptop computers, some ammunition, and a small quantity of marijuana,” the witness stated.
He said Madubugu admitted in a statement dated November 3, 2015, that he allowed the container to be stored at his residence on the condition that he would retain the container after its contents were evacuated. “Kanu came with Chimezie between March and April 2015 to inspect the container and said it would be used for Radio Biafra activities,” the witness read from Madubugu’s statement.
A video presented in court showed Kanu inspecting the container and its contents. In the footage, Kanu was heard describing the transmitter as “the monster itself. This is what will destroy enemies of Biafra… this is nuclear munster that will destroy the zoo.”
When asked to explain the meaning of “the zoo,” the witness said: “The defendant was referring to Nigeria.” The DSS agent also testified that Kanu used Radio Biafra to incite violence. “He broadcasted hate-filled messages and gave instructions to members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), which is the militant arm of IPOB,” the witness said.
“They maim, kill, and propagate hate against other ethnic groups, particularly the Hausa/Fulani,” he continued. “They are trained in the act of guerrilla warfare. They carry out the defendant’s instructions as broadcast on Radio Biafra.”
The court admitted audio recordings of Kanu’s broadcasts as further evidence. In one broadcast dated May 29, 2021, Kanu was heard calling southeast political leaders “fools, vagabonds, and idiots,” and declared a sit-at-home order for May 31. “If you come out on the 31st you are going to die,” he said. “And if the zoo army tries anything they will be confronted.”
In a separate broadcast on May 30, Kanu allegedly warned: “Whoever opens his or her shop will be burnt with the shop.” On May 31, he said, “I did not ask you to attack businesses, focus on your enemies.”
The witness also described a broadcast following the death of ESN commander Ikonso on April 24, 2021. “The defendant said Ikonso was killed in his sleep and that there shall be repercussions,” he stated. Kanu allegedly declared: “Ikonso will be buried with 2000 heads.”
The witness said that during interrogation, an IPOB member, Emeyiri Uzoma Benjamin (a.k.a. Onye Army), said they “only managed to get 30 heads.”
The prosecution also tendered a Vanguard newspaper publication citing the statement made by Benjamin. Justice Omotosho adjourned further hearing to June 18, 19, and 20, when the prosecution is expected to close its case.
