In the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the Federal High Court in Abuja has admitted several pieces of evidence presented by the prosecution.
These include video recordings and written statements purportedly made by Kanu, as well as broadcasting equipment allegedly used for Radio Biafra operations.
The court viewed video clips in which Kanu is seen discussing the establishment and operations of Radio Biafra. In these recordings, he reportedly refers to Nigeria as a “zoo” and speaks about the formation of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), described as the armed wing of IPOB.
The prosecution presented written statements allegedly made by Kanu during his detention in October and November 2015. In these, Kanu admits to founding Radio Biafra in London and asserts that his advocacy for Biafra’s independence is a fundamental right, not a criminal act.
Items such as laptops, transmitters, and other broadcasting tools were tendered as evidence. These were reportedly seized during Kanu’s 2015 arrest at a hotel in Lagos.
Kanu’s legal team has raised concerns about the admissibility of the statements and videos, arguing that they were obtained under duress and without legal representation. Kanu testified that he was subjected to solitary confinement and denied access to his lawyers during interrogation.
Justice James Omotosho has initiated a “trial-within-trial” to determine the voluntariness of Kanu’s statements. The judge emphasized the importance of ensuring that any evidence admitted is free from coercion, in line with the Evidence Act.
The court has adjourned proceedings to May 29, 2025, for the continuation of the trial and to rule on the admissibility of the contested statements.
