ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal High Court in Abuja has admitted a radio transmitter allegedly smuggled into Nigeria by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as evidence in the ongoing trial over terrorism and secession-related charges.
At Friday, June 13, 2025’s session, an operative of the Department of State Services (DSS), identified only as “DDD” for security reasons, testified as the fourth prosecution witness and detailed how the transmitter was brought into the country, hidden in a 20-foot container alongside household items.
According to DDD, the transmitter was brought in without declaration to the Nigeria Customs Service and was later concealed at the residence of one Benjamin Madubougu in Ihiala, Anambra State.
Led in evidence by prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), the witness told the court that Kanu used the device to incite violence and promote secessionist propaganda through Radio Biafra.
“He used the transmitter to broadcast seditious messages against the Nigerian state,” the witness said.
The court also admitted several related items as evidence, including a certified copy of a search warrant issued by the Chief Magistrate Court in Ihiala on October 28, 2015, and a video recording of Kanu inspecting the transmitter.
In the footage played in open court, Kanu was seen describing the transmitter as a “game changer” and a “nuclear weapon for Biafra”.
The defence, led by Senior Advocate Onyechi Ikpeazu, objected to the admissibility of the video, but the court overruled the objection and admitted the clip.
Further evidence tendered included a flash drive containing 18 video recordings and 16 Radio Biafra broadcasts attributed to Kanu.
In one of the recordings dated May 29, 2021, Kanu allegedly derided southeastern political leaders as “fools, vagabonds and idiots”, and declared a sit-at-home order for May 31 of that year.
“If you come out on the 31st, you are going to die, and if the zoo army tries anything, they will be confronted,” Kanu was heard saying in the broadcast.
The DSS witness claimed the broadcast directly contributed to the disruption of commercial activity across the south-east, attributing the enforcement of the sit-at-home order to IPOB’s militant arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The court also received into evidence a written statement from Madubougu, who admitted Kanu failed to provide customs documentation for the imported transmitter.
Additionally, a newspaper article allegedly quoting an ESN member who claimed Kanu ordered the collection of 2,000 human heads for burial rites was presented. While the defence contested the article’s admissibility, the court accepted it along with a certificate of compliance.
Following a prosecution request, the court granted leave to inspect the container housing the transmitter, which is currently in the custody of the DSS.
Journalists present at the court were permitted to witness the inspection, which took place at the DSS facility in Abuja.
After the inspection, Justice James Omotosho admitted the transmitter and the container as exhibits ‘Y’ and ‘Z’, respectively.
The court adjourned proceedings until June 18, 19, and 20, during which the prosecution is expected to close its case.
Kanu remains in DSS custody, facing charges related to treasonable felony, terrorism, and incitement.
