The Federal High Court in Abuja has received new testimony in the terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). A Department of State Services (DSS) witness, identified only as Mr. DDD, claimed that Kanu smuggled a radio transmitter into Nigeria without declaring it to customs and hid it inside household items.
The DSS operative told the court that the transmitter was later discovered at the home of Benjamin Madubougu in Ihiala, Anambra State. According to the witness, Kanu used the transmitter to incite violence and promote separatist messages targeting the Nigerian government.
Led in evidence by prosecution counsel Adeboboye Awomolo (SAN), the DSS officer presented a certified copy of a search warrant issued on October 28, 2015, by the Ihiala Chief Magistrate Court. A video was also played in court, allegedly showing Kanu inspecting the transmitter, referring to it as a “nuclear weapon” and calling it a game-changer for Biafra.
In the video, Kanu reportedly warned residents of the South-East to obey IPOB’s sit-at-home order scheduled for May 31, 2021, threatening consequences for those who disobeyed. The DSS claimed that these broadcasts directly contributed to economic disruption in the region, as the Eastern Security Network (ESN), IPOB’s militant arm, enforced the directive.
The court accepted several pieces of evidence, including:
A flash drive with 18 video clips and 16 radio broadcasts linked to Kanu.
A statement by Benjamin Madubougu confirming there were no customs documents for the transmitter.
A newspaper publication where an alleged ESN member claimed Kanu ordered the collection of 2,000 human heads for burial rites—though only 30 were reportedly found.
Despite objections from the defense, the court admitted the newspaper article and a certificate of compliance. The prosecution also requested a physical inspection of the transmitter and container, both stored at the DSS facility in Abuja. The court granted the request and conducted the brief proceedings at the DSS headquarters.
Justice James Omotosho, who is presiding over the case, ruled that the transmitter and container be marked as exhibits PWZ and PWY, respectively. He stressed the court’s responsibility to examine all evidence thoroughly in the pursuit of justice.
The case has been adjourned until June 18, 19, and 20, when the prosecution is expected to conclude its presentation.
