Kanu's Terrorism Trial Opens: Radio Biafra Evidence Presented

Nnamdi Kanu’s Terrorism Trial Opens as DSS Presents Radio Biafra Equipment in Court

The terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), commenced on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, with the prosecution presenting several exhibits, including equipment allegedly used to operate Radio Biafra.

During the hearing, Kanu distanced himself from violence, claiming his mission was for the peaceful emancipation of people in the South-East, South-South, and parts of Benue and Kogi states. He made this known in a written statement submitted to the Department of State Services (DSS) on October 15, 2015, which was read aloud in court.

Kanu faces seven terrorism-related charges brought by the Federal Government. He was first arrested in Lagos on October 14, 2015, after returning from the United Kingdom. Granted bail on health grounds in 2017, he fled the country before being re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 and returned to Nigeria for trial.

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Originally charged with 15 counts of terrorism and treason, eight were struck out in 2022 by the trial court for lack of merit. That same year, the Court of Appeal discharged him and ordered his release. However, the Supreme Court overturned that decision on December 15, 2023, reinstating the remaining seven charges.

At Tuesday’s proceedings, lead government counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) requested that witnesses be shielded due to security concerns. The court granted the request, ruling that although Kanu must see the witnesses, they will testify behind a screen. Kanu's defence team, led by Kanu Agabi (SAN), did not object but requested fair consideration of Kanu’s bail application.

The prosecution’s first witness, identified as Mr. A.A.A., an 18-year DSS operative, testified behind a screen. He recounted Kanu’s arrest at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Lagos, stating that Kanu initially resisted and headbutted an officer. A room resembling a broadcasting studio was discovered during the search, containing laptops, microphones, mixers, flash drives, pamphlets, and other IPOB-linked items—all presented in court in four suitcases.

Kanu confirmed ownership of the items during interrogation, which was also admitted into evidence. The witness added that passports bearing the name “Okwu-Kanu Nwannekaenyi Nnamdi Ngozichukwu” were later submitted by the hotel manager. Kanu had checked in under the alias “Nwannekaenyi Ezebuiro.”

A video of Kanu’s interrogation was played in court, where he admitted setting up Radio Biafra and confirmed it was not licensed, citing a lack of faith in obtaining approval. He reiterated that his struggle was non-violent and based on the United Nations’ right to self-determination. He also claimed he was interrogated without legal representation.

The court admitted both the written statement and the video as evidence. The trial was adjourned to May 2 for cross-examination and the testimony of the second prosecution witness.

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