Drama In Court: Witness Links IPOB Leader Kanu To Formation Of Armed Group ESN

A prosecution witness, identified by the pseudonym “BBB” for security reasons, testified on Tuesday that Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), also established the Eastern Security Network (ESN), a paramilitary group linked to violent incidents in southeastern Nigeria.

The testimony was delivered at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Kanu is facing terrorism charges.

Led in evidence by the Federal Government’s lead prosecutor, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), the witness claimed that Kanu not only manages Radio Biafra but is also the founder of the ESN. During cross-examination, the witness confirmed that he had been assigned by the Attorney General of the Federation to investigate Kanu. He stated clearly: “The defendant is the operator of Radio Biafra and the founder of the Eastern Security Network.”

Efforts by the prosecution to submit a letter authorizing the witness’s investigation into Kanu were challenged by defence counsel Kanu Agabi (SAN), who argued that the document had not been disclosed to the defence team. As a result, the prosecution withdrew the document, and the court accepted the withdrawal.

Additionally, Agabi opposed the admissibility of video evidence the prosecution sought to introduce, citing a lack of prior disclosure. Kanu himself aligned with his counsel’s objection.

Presiding Judge, Justice James Omotosho, ruled that all evidence must be disclosed in advance and appropriately listed before being admitted in court.