Kanu’s broadcasts incited violence in South-East, DSS tells court

The Department of State Services (DSS) has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that the broadcasts by the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, instigated violence and impacted the economy of the South-East region.

The fourth prosecution witness, a DSS operative codenamed Mr DDD, on Friday testified under examination-in-chief led by the prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), that Kanu’s broadcasts incited the enforcement of IPOB’s sit-at-home order through its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

The witness also explained how Kanu allegedly smuggled a radio transmitter into Nigeria, concealed within household items to evade detection.

SPONSOR AD

He further said the transmitter, which was not declared to the Nigerian Customs Service, was hidden at the residence of one Benjamin Madubugwu in Ubuluisiuzor, Ihiala, Anambra State.

Meanwhile, Justice James Omotosho has admitted the transmitter and two unlicensed pump action guns, some ammunition, laptop computers and a quantity of marijuana, said to have been smuggled from the United Kingdom.

The items were tendered inside a 20-foot container, which was brought to the premises of the court.

The fourth witness also said he knew a commander of the ESN called Nwokike Anyinayo Andy, who was popularly known as Ikonso, but was killed by security forces on April 24, 2021 in his home town, Awomama, Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State.

The witness said Kanu did a broadcast on April 25, 2021, in which he mourned the death of Ikonso and vowed repercussions for his death.

He said that in one of the broadcasts, which Kanu made on May 29, 2021, he disparaged leaders like David Umahi, a former governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha and his successor, Hope Uzodinma. 

The case has been adjourned to June 18, 19 and 20 for the prosecution to close its head.