A witness in the ongoing terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has testified that Kanu is not only the operator of Radio Biafra but also the founder of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), a paramilitary group. The statement was made in the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, during the resumed trial of Kanu for terrorism-related charges.
The witness, who was referred to only as “BBB” for security purposes, provided the testimony under the guidance of the Federal Government’s lead counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN). This revelation came as part of the ongoing proceedings in Kanu’s trial before Justice James Omotosho. Notably, Awomolo had earlier requested that the identities of the prosecution witnesses remain confidential due to the serious nature of the charges Kanu is facing. The court granted this request for the safety of the individuals involved.
Kanu, who originally faced 15 charges including terrorism and treasonable felony, saw the number of charges reduced to seven after eight were dismissed by the court on April 8, 2022. At the hearing on Tuesday, the witness further confirmed that he had been assigned by the Attorney General of the Federation to investigate Kanu’s activities.
BBB stated, “The defendant is the operator of Radio Biafra and the founder of the Eastern Security Network.” However, this claim was disputed by Kanu’s defense team. Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), the lead counsel for the defense, opposed the admissibility of certain documents, including a letter that would have authorized BBB’s investigation of Kanu. Agabi pointed out that the defense team had not been served with the letter beforehand, a point the court agreed with, and the document was withdrawn.
Justice Omotosho also ruled that the prosecution must ensure that all materials intended for the trial are disclosed in advance. No evidence will be admitted unless it has been properly listed and made available to the defense.
In a separate exchange, during re-examination by Awomolo, the first prosecution witness, codenamed “AAA,” stated that Kanu’s actions were primarily motivated by his push for secession. Under cross-examination, AAA admitted to not being fully aware of the 15 charges originally filed against Kanu, including the charges that were later struck out.
Meanwhile, the court proceedings were briefly interrupted by a dispute over legal representation. Justice Omotosho revealed that he had received a letter from someone named Charles Udeh, claiming to be part of Kanu’s defense team. However, neither Kanu nor his defense team recognized Udeh. The judge raised concerns over the large number of lawyers representing the defendant, noting that the court had approved 16 but had received 29 lawyers. Omotosho warned that if order was not maintained, the trial could be moved online.
Additionally, the trial saw a brief emotional moment when Kanu made a public apology on behalf of his sister, Favour Kanu, who had previously recorded court proceedings and shared them online. Kanu expressed regret for her actions and pleaded for leniency. The judge, however, decided not to charge her with contempt but excused her from attending the next three court sessions.
The case was adjourned to May 7, for the continuation of the trial, with further examination of the prosecution’s witnesses.
