The Federal High Court in Abuja has admitted a radio transmitter allegedly smuggled into Nigeria by Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as evidence in his ongoing terrorism trial.

Justice James Omotosho on Friday admitted both the transmitter and the 20-foot container in which it was allegedly transported from London without proper customs documentation. The court designated the container as Exhibit PWY and the radio transmitter as Exhibit PWZ during proceedings conducted at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Abuja.

The unusual venue for the proceedings resulted from an application by prosecuting lawyer Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), who explained that it was impractical to bring the transmitter and container to the court premises. Defense counsel Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) did not oppose the application.

DSS Witness Testimony

The fourth prosecution witness, a DSS agent, testified that Kanu used Radio Biafra to broadcast messages allegedly inciting violence and terrorism. According to the witness, intelligence gathered in October 2015 revealed that Kanu had smuggled an FM radio transmitter into Nigeria, concealed among household items in a container that was not declared to Nigerian Customs.

"After I watched the video, I was instructed to obtain a warrant, locate the transmitter and relocate it," the witness stated, adding that they found the transmitter in the premises of Benjamin Madubugu at Ubuluisiuzor in Ihiala Local Government of Anambra State.

The search also yielded two pump action guns without licenses, laptop computers, ammunition, and marijuana. The prosecution presented a video recording showing Kanu inspecting the container and its contents, including the transmitter.

In the video, Kanu was heard describing the transmitter as "the monster itself" and "what will destroy enemies of Biafra," referring to it as a "nuclear monster that will destroy the zoo" – which the witness explained was Kanu's derogatory term for Nigeria.

IPOB Activities and Broadcasts

The witness testified that IPOB's military wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), has significantly disrupted socio-economic activities in the South-East region. "ESN is the military arm of IPOB. All ESN members are IPOB members, but not all IPOB members are ESN," the witness explained.

"They carry out instructions of the defendant, which he broadcast through Radio Biafra. They are trained in the act of guerilla warfare. They engage in acts of terrorism. They maim, kill and propagate hate against other ethnic groups, particularly the Hausa/Fulani," he added.

The court admitted several audio recordings of Kanu's broadcasts as evidence. In one broadcast from May 29, 2021, Kanu allegedly used disparaging language against political leaders from the South-East and declared a sit-at-home order for May 31, 2021, threatening that anyone who disobeyed would "die."

In another broadcast on May 30, Kanu reportedly called for a "complete and total lockdown" in the South-East, warning that shops that opened would be burned. The witness also testified about Kanu's reaction to the death of an ESN commander known as Ikonso, who was killed by security forces on April 24, 2021.

The court has adjourned further hearings to June 18, 19, and 20, during which the prosecution is expected to conclude its case.

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