Biafra

A prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), told the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday that the separatist leader admitted to making broadcasts in which he called for violent attacks on key Nigerian leaders, including President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), the second prosecution witness testified that Kanu, while giving his statement on July 17, 2021, confirmed making the broadcasts. The witness said Kanu offered a N100 million bounty for Wike’s head and called for the burning of Tinubu’s assets.

The court admitted into evidence seven recordings of Kanu’s broadcasts, which were stored on a flash drive and played openly in the courtroom.

In a broadcast dated December 12, 2020, Kanu described the Eastern Security Network (ESN) as a vigilante group, similar to the Amotekun Corps and Miyetti Allah. Toward the end of the recording, he urged followers to kill Wike, accusing the former Rivers State governor of placing a N50 million bounty on a Biafran.

“He does not deserve to live,” Kanu was heard saying, adding that any governor who presides over the killing of his people would face similar consequences.

Another broadcast played in court, dated October 20, 2020, during the End SARS protests, featured Kanu inciting violence in Lagos. He directed his followers to attack Tinubu, whom he described as a “traitor,” and to target police and other uniformed personnel.

“Tinubu’s hotel must be burnt down. Tinubu should not be allowed to escape,” he said in the recording.

In a separate recording, Kanu was heard placing a N100 million bounty on Wike, stating: “Dead or alive, Wike is N100 million. I will pay cash. Get me his head.”