Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has denied any involvement in the violent attacks and killings that took place during the #ENDSARS protest in October 2020. In a video played in court, Kanu stated that his broadcasts on Biafra Radio could not have caused the destruction witnessed during the protest. He made this statement during an interrogation by the State Security Service (SSS) on July 17, 2021, which was presented as evidence before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu admitted to making broadcasts about the #ENDSARS protest and other topics on Biafra Radio, but claimed that the protest in Lagos was outside the Biafran territory and therefore could not have been a result of his broadcasts. He also confirmed being the founder and leader of IPOB and the Eastern Security Network (ESN), but stated that he was not directly involved in the day-to-day running of both organizations.
The witness, identified as BBB, testified that Kanu’s broadcasts led to the killing of several eminent Nigerians, including security officers. BBB stated that Kanu’s broadcasts resulted in the killing of Ahmed Gulak, a former Senior Special Adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, as well as a retired judge, Justice Stanley Nnaji, and an intending military couple, Sergeant Audu Lucas and Private Glory Matthew.
BBB also alleged that Kanu ordered his followers to enforce a sit-at-home directive in all South Eastern states, which led to the killing of many people who went out of their houses on that day. The witness claimed that investigation revealed that Kanu founded IPOB and ESN, and that he was the leader of both groups. He also stated that Radio Biafra, which was founded by Kanu, was not registered in Nigeria and that Kanu’s broadcasts resulted in the burning of police stations and luxury buses in Lagos.
Kanu denied that IPOB was responsible for the violent attacks and killings in the South East, and claimed that the organization was a peaceful and non-violent movement. He argued that the invasion of his house by armed soldiers was unnecessary and that his arrest in Kenya and subsequent return to Nigeria was also unnecessary.
The case has been adjourned until May 14, May 21, and May 22 for further hearing. The lawyer to the defendant, Paul Erokoro, SAN, sought an adjournment for the defense to cross-examine the witness. The trial is being closely watched as it raises important questions about the role of IPOB and ESN in the violence that has plagued the South East region of Nigeria.
