A Federal High Court in Abuja has admitted into evidence a radio transmitter allegedly smuggled into Nigeria by Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The transmitter was reportedly concealed in a 20-foot container shipped from the United Kingdom.
Justice James Omotosho granted the prosecution’s request to inspect and admit both the container and the transmitter—marked as Exhibits PWY and PWZ, respectively—during a special sitting held Friday at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Abuja.
The court granted the relocation following an oral application by prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), who explained that it was impractical to bring the bulky exhibits to the regular court premises.
Testifying during the proceedings, the fourth prosecution witness (PW4), a DSS officer, said the transmitter was recovered from the home of Benjamin Madubugu, an associate of Kanu, in Ubuluisiuzor, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. A search warrant issued by a Chief Magistrate Court in Ihiala also led to the discovery of two unlicensed pump-action guns, ammunition, laptops, and a quantity of marijuana.
The witness said Kanu, through Radio Biafra, incited violence and propagated messages encouraging secession from Nigeria. He said intelligence received in October 2015 revealed that Kanu had smuggled the transmitter into the country, hidden among household items, including second-hand clothing.
A video clip showing Kanu inspecting the container and describing the transmitter as a “nuclear monster” was also admitted in evidence. In the video, Kanu is heard saying: “This is what will destroy the enemies of Biafra… this is the monster itself that will destroy the zoo.” The witness clarified that “the zoo” referred to Nigeria.
Madubugu’s written statement, dated November 3, 2015, was also admitted. In it, he admitted agreeing to house the container and confirmed that Kanu, along with an associate named Chimezie, came to inspect it between March and April 2015.
PW4 testified that IPOB’s armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), received instructions through Radio Biafra broadcasts and carried out attacks, particularly targeting Hausa-Fulani communities. He stated that ESN operatives are trained in guerrilla warfare and engage in terrorism.
He also provided audio recordings of Kanu’s broadcasts, in which Kanu issued sit-at-home orders and used disparaging language against southeastern political leaders, calling them “fools,” “vagabonds,” and “idiots.”
In one such broadcast dated May 29, 2021, Kanu warned: “If you come out on the 31st, you are going to die. If the zoo army tries anything, they will be confronted.” In another, he threatened to burn down shops of those who disobeyed his sit-at-home directive.
Death of ESN Commander and “2000 Heads” Claim
The witness also referenced Kanu’s April 25, 2021 broadcast, in which he mourned the death of ESN commander Ikonso, who was killed by security forces in Imo State. Kanu reportedly vowed retaliation and declared that Ikonso would be buried with “2,000 heads.”
However, the prosecution presented a Vanguard newspaper publication quoting a statement by an IPOB member, Emeyiri Uzoma Benjamin (aka Onye Army), who said they were only able to obtain 30 heads.
Madubugu, initially charged alongside Kanu, continues to face trial before Justice Binta Nyako, following Kanu’s failure to appear after being granted bail. The prosecution is expected to close its case when the trial resumes on June 18, 19, and 20.
