Court Admits DSS Evidence of Kanu’s Broadcasts Calling for Assassinations, Violence
The Federal High Court in Abuja has admitted a series of damning video and documentary evidence presented by the Department of State Services (DSS) against Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), showing that he allegedly made multiple broadcasts inciting violence and calling for the assassination of prominent Nigerians, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
In continuation of the trial on terrorism-related charges, the second prosecution witness (PW2), an operative of the DSS identified only as BBB for security reasons, gave chilling testimony about Kanu’s confirmed role in inciting unrest and ordering violent actions through his media platform, Radio Biafra.
Led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), the witness revealed that during the defendant’s interrogation on July 17, 2021, Kanu admitted to making several provocative broadcasts. These included placing a N100 million bounty on the head of Wike, calling for the destruction of federal infrastructure in Lagos, and inciting attacks on security personnel and government officials.
According to BBB, during the statement-taking process, the DSS played several recorded broadcasts of Kanu’s voice from Radio Biafra. “After listening to the clips, the defendant confirmed he made the statements,” the witness told the court.
The prosecution tendered a flash drive containing seven separate broadcasts as evidence. The recordings were played in open court after they were admitted by Justice James Omotosho. The court also admitted a formal letter of complaint dated June 10, 2021, from the then Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, to the DSS Director-General, seeking a thorough investigation into Kanu’s alleged terrorist activities.
In the letter, Malami accused Kanu of inciting the killings of security operatives, promoting violent separatism, and ordering attacks on government structures and prominent Nigerians. Among the acts cited was the killing of late Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Ahmed Gulak and the arson attack on Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma’s residence.
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In the first video broadcast played in court, Kanu was seen wearing a black blazer, white shirt, black tie, and red beret. He was heard announcing the formation of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), which he described as a vigilante group like Amotekun in the Southwest and Miyetti Allah in the North. However, he escalated the rhetoric by calling for the assassination of Governor Wike, alleging the governor placed a bounty on the head of a Biafran separatist. “Wike does not deserve to live. He must die,” Kanu declared.
The second clip was a broadcast from October 20, 2020, during the End SARS protests, in which Kanu urged his followers to wreak havoc in Lagos and to kill Tinubu, branding him a traitor. “Burn all Federal Government property in Lagos… Tinubu’s hotel must be burnt down,” Kanu said, listing locations like the Murtala Mohammed International Airport and NITEL building as targets.
In a disturbing segment of that recording, a caller requested access to firearms. Kanu encouraged the caller to join what he termed the “Volunteer Force,” promising access to weapons.
The third broadcast featured Kanu placing a N100 million bounty on Governor Wike. “Dead or alive, Wike is N100m. I will pay cash. Get me his head,” Kanu said repeatedly.
In the fourth video, dated May 30, 2021, Kanu declared a total lockdown in the Southeast to mark Biafra Remembrance Day, warning that anyone who defied the stay-at-home order would face dire consequences. “Do not come outside tomorrow if you value your life,” he said.
The fifth broadcast involved directives for his supporters to kill soldiers and utilize firearms allegedly stored in Edo State. In the sixth, Kanu was seen addressing a gathering in the United States, where he openly solicited for guns and ammunition. The DSS witness said the gathering tried to caution Kanu against his violent rhetoric.
The seventh broadcast was laced with ethnically charged rhetoric. Kanu warned other ethnic groups to resist what he described as Fulani domination and subjugation, urging them to rise and defend themselves.
After the final recording was played, the prosecution sought and received the court’s permission to tender a video of Kanu’s statement-writing session, which was also admitted in evidence. Awomolo then requested an adjournment to allow for the playing of a one-and-a-half-hour-long video recording during the next sitting.
Counsel to the defendant, Emeka Etiaba (SAN), did not oppose the application. Consequently, Justice Omotosho adjourned the case till Wednesday, May 8, 2025, for the continuation of trial.
Kanu, who is facing multiple terrorism-related charges, has pleaded not guilty. The trial continues amid heightened public and media interest due to the sensitive nature of the allegations and Kanu’s high-profile role in Nigeria’s separatist agitation.
By PRNigeria
