Court Admits Videos Showing Nnamdi Kanu ‘Creating’ Eastern Security Network

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday accepted into evidence a set of video clips in which Biafra agitator Nnamdi Kanu is seen announcing the establishment of the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

In the videos played in open court, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) was seen issuing statements considered inflammatory, upon which terrorism charges were filed against him.

One of the videos was tagged “Broadcast by Nnamdi Kanu,” and Kanu was visibly seen addressing his followers on what he called “The Blessed Land of Biafra.”

He announced the formation of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), urging followers to defend their land against what he referred to as “Fulani domination.”

Kanu warned political leaders in the region against compromises and issued a directive forbidding the presence of Fulani herdsmen, stating: “No Fulani parading as herdsmen shall be allowed in our land.”

“If you are an agent of the Fulani, turn your way this evening.”

The federal government, through its witness code-named PWBBB, claimed that the alleged broadcast of Kanu incited acts of terrorism across the Southeast during the period.

The witness was led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN. During his evidence, he tendered a flash drive containing a series of Kanu’s activities before he was apprehended for inciting violence and terrorism.

The device was admitted as evidence alongside a certificate of compliance, despite vehement objections from Kanu’s lawyers.

They were marked as Exhibits PWA and PW1, respectively.

Earlier in the session, the court admitted a letter dated June 17, 2021, authored by the former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), which accused Kanu of terrorism, murder, and incitement to violence.

The letter, addressed to the DSS, was tendered without objection and marked as Exhibit PWF.

Reading from the document, the witness alleged that Kanu’s broadcasts were followed by coordinated attacks on police stations and correctional facilities, resulting in the loss of lives and property.

He quoted the petition as saying Kanu had instructed that security operatives be “brought down” and their weapons seized.

Also admitted was a statement dated July 17, 2021, purportedly made by Kanu during his detention, where he declined to make further written statements, asserting he had already addressed the allegations.