Nnamdi Kanu Admitted Ordering Attacks on Police, Witness Tells Court

A witness in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) admitted to inciting the public to attack police officers during interrogation. The witness, a Department of State Services (DSS) operative identified as BBB for security reasons, testified behind a screen and said the admission came during a statement-taking session on July 17, 2021. The session followed a directive from the Attorney General of the Federation requesting an investigation into Kanu’s alleged involvement in terrorism-related activities.

BBB revealed that Kanu, who also founded the Eastern Security Network (ESN), had operated an unlicensed radio station which broadcast on 102.1 FM and 88.0 FM. He said Kanu used the platform to disseminate inflammatory messages, including calls for attacks on law enforcement personnel. According to the witness, Kanu acknowledged authorship of the broadcasts when they were played back to him in the presence of his lawyers, including Alloy Ejimakor. The statement-taking was reportedly video-recorded.

When the prosecution, led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, attempted to tender the AGF’s letter and the video recording as evidence, defence counsel Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, objected. He argued that the documents had not been previously shared with the defence, as required by law. Awomolo admitted the oversight and agreed to an adjournment, promising to provide all relevant materials.

Justice James Omotosho ruled that the defence was entitled to access all evidence the prosecution intended to use and adjourned the matter to May 7 for the continuation of BBB’s testimony. Earlier, a first prosecution witness, identified as AAA, also a DSS operative, concluded his testimony. Under cross-examination, AAA confirmed that Kanu was charged with inciting violence against police officers, though he was unaware of specific counts being struck out from the original 15-count charge.

Before proceedings began, Justice Omotosho addressed concerns over courtroom representation, noting the limited space and capping the number of defence lawyers at 16. He also addressed an incident involving Mrs. Favour Kanu, who had previously recorded and posted court proceedings online despite being cautioned. She apologized, explaining it was a Facebook live stream and claimed she did not know the judge was still seated. Justice Omotosho barred her from attending three subsequent sessions and warned against any actions that could delay the trial.

The judge concluded by reassuring all parties of a fair and timely trial process.