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A Federal High Court sitting 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 Department of State Services (DSS) claims the items were used to operate Radio Biafra and presented them during proceedings held at the DSS headquarters.
Justice James Omotosho granted an application by prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), who requested that the court temporarily relocate to inspect the transmitter and container, which are currently in DSS custody. The judge admitted the items as Exhibits PWY (the container) and PWZ (the transmitter).
A DSS operative, testifying as the fourth prosecution witness, told the court that in October 2015, the agency received intelligence that Kanu had smuggled a radio transmitter into the country, concealed inside a container filled with household items. He added that the transmitter was not declared to the Nigeria Customs Service and was intended for use in broadcasting Radio Biafra.
According to the witness, a search warrant obtained from a Chief Magistrate Court in Ihiala led DSS operatives to the residence of one Benjamin Madubugu in Ubuluisiuzor, where the container was discovered. “We recovered the radio transmitter, two unlicensed pump-action guns, laptop computers, some ammunition, and a small quantity of marijuana,” he said.
Madubugu, in a statement dated November 3, 2015, reportedly admitted that he allowed the container to be stored at his residence on the understanding that he would keep the container after its contents were removed. The witness also read from Madubugu’s statement, which claimed that Kanu and another individual, identified as Chimezie, came to inspect the container between March and April 2015 and said it would be used for Radio Biafra operations.
A video presented in court showed Kanu inspecting the container and referring to the transmitter as “the monster itself,” stating: “This is what will destroy enemies of Biafra… this is nuclear munster that will destroy the zoo.”
When asked to clarify the term “the zoo,” the DSS operative said it was Kanu’s derogatory reference to Nigeria. He further testified that Kanu used Radio Biafra to incite violence and give directives to the Eastern Security Network (ESN), which he described as the militant wing of IPOB. “They maim, kill, and propagate hate against other ethnic groups, particularly the Hausa/Fulani,” the witness stated. “They are trained in guerrilla warfare and carry out the defendant’s instructions as broadcast on Radio Biafra.”
The court also admitted audio recordings of Kanu’s broadcasts as further evidence. In one recording dated May 29, 2021, Kanu reportedly called southeast political leaders “fools, vagabonds, and idiots,” and declared a sit-at-home order for May 31, warning: “If you come out on the 31st, you are going to die. And if the zoo army tries anything, they will be confronted.”
In another broadcast dated May 30, Kanu allegedly warned: “Whoever opens his or her shop will be burnt with the shop.” However, in a subsequent broadcast 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, in which Kanu allegedly declared: “Ikonso was killed in his sleep and there shall be repercussions. Ikonso will be buried with 2000 heads.”
During interrogation, an IPOB member identified as Emeyiri Uzoma Benjamin (a.k.a. Onye Army) allegedly told DSS operatives they “only managed to get 30 heads.” The prosecution tendered a Vanguard newspaper publication citing this statement as further evidence.
Justice Omotosho adjourned further hearings to June 18, 19, and 20, when the prosecution is expected to close its case.
