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Court Admits Videos Showing Nnamdi Kanu ‘Creating’ ESN, Ordering Lockdown In South-East
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday admitted as exhibits series of video clips showing Biafra agitator, Nnamdi Kanu, announcing the creation of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and ordering lockdown in the South-East.
In the videos played in open court, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) was seen issuing statements considered inflammatory by the Federal Government, upon which the terrorism charges were filed against him.
One of the videos was tagged ‘Broadcast by Nnamdi Kanu’, and Kanu was visibly seen addressing his followers on what he called “The Blessed Land of Biafra.”
He announced the formation of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), urging followers to defend their land against what he referred to as “Fulani domination”.
Kanu warned political leaders in the region against compromise and issued a directive forbidden the presence of Fulani herdsmen, stating: “No Fulani parading as herdsmen shall be allowed in our land.
“If you are an agent of the Fulani, turn away this evening.”
The Federal Government, through its witness code-named PWBBB, claimed that the broadcast incited acts of terrorism across the South-East.
The witness was led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN. During his evidence, he tendered a flash drive containing recordings of Kanu’s activities before he was apprehended for inciting violence and terrorism.
The device was admitted as evidence alongside a certificate of compliance, despite vehement objections from Kanu’s lawyers.
They were marked as Exhibits PWA and PW1, respectively.
Earlier in the session, the court admitted a letter dated June 17, 2021, authored by the former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), which accused Kanu of terrorism, murder and incitement to violence.
The letter, addressed to the DSS, was tendered without objection and marked as Exhibit PWF.
Reading from the document, the witness alleged that Kanu’s broadcasts were followed by coordinated attacks on police stations and correctional facilities, resulting in the loss of lives and property.
He quoted the letter as saying Kanu had instructed that security operatives be “brought down” and their weapons seized.
Also admitted was a statement dated July 17, 2021, purportedly made by Kanu during his detention, where he declined to make further written statements, asserting he had already addressed the allegations.
In another played video clip, recorded on December 12, 2020, Kanu was seen making a broadcast declaring: “In the blessed land of Biafra, we must do everything to save ourselves from extinction.”
He described Nigeria as a “zoo” and called for resistance against what he termed Fulani domination, accusing political leaders of betraying the people.
In another video, Kanu introduced the Eastern Security Network (ESN), comparing it to regional security outfits like South West Amotekun and said it was necessary to defend the South-East from Fulani herders.
The court also viewed footage from the #EndSARS protests, where Kanu was seen directing attacks on police and government facilities.
A separate video dated May 30, 2021, showed Kanu declaring a total lockdown in the South-East in memory of fallen Biafrans, instructing residents not to leave their homes.
Another clip showed Kanu asking his followers to procure guns and bullets for self-defence, specifically referencing threats from Boko Haram and labelling Fulani herders as terrorists.
The witness confirmed the voice in the videos as Kanu’s.
Additionally, the Federal Government’s gazette officially proscribing IPOB as a terrorist organization, dated September 20, 2017 was admitted as an exhibit without objection from the defence.
The Federal Government lawyer thereafter requested an adjournment to continue playing the remaining footage, noting it exceeded an hour.
The defence raised no objections, prompting Justice James Kolawole Omotosho to adjourn the matter to May 8 for continuation of trial.
News
Court Sets Feb 25 For El-Rufai’s Arraignment In DSS Cybercrime Case
The Department of State Services (DSS) will arraign former Governnor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai, on February 25 over alleged cybercrime and breach of national security.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court has fixed the date for the arraignment of the former Governor on a three-count criminal charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) after the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho assigned the case to her.
NAN earlier reported that the DSS, on Monday, filed a three-count criminal charge against El-Rufai following his alleged involvement in wiretapping the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The charge, instituted by the Nigerian secret police, is marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026.
The service accused El-Rufai of breaching the Cybercrimes Prohibition Act (2024) and the Nigerian Communications Act (2003.)
In court, El-Rufai was alleged to have, on Feb. 13, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, admitted during the interview that he and his cohorts unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the NSA, Mr Ribadu.
The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
News
Maureen Badejo To Appear Before Federal High Court Tomorrow On Defamation, Cybercrime Charges
Maureen Omorinola Badejo is scheduled to appear before the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on February 20, 2026, following charges filed by the Inspector-General of Police over allegations bordering on defamation, cyberstalking, and related offences.
The charges arise from online publications made in November 2021, in which Ms. Badejo allegedly transmitted statements and videos on YouTube and Facebook concerning Apostle Johnson Suleman and his associate Dickson Omodiale Osajie.
According to the charge sheet, the prosecution alleges that:
Ms. Badejo conspired with others to publish defamatory content against Apostle Suleman.
She allegedly portrayed him as a cultist, rapist, assassin, ritualist, and other criminal labels, knowing the claims to be false.
She is accused of sending false messages via computer networks intended to cause annoyance, hatred, intimidation, and injury to reputation.
Additional allegations state that defamatory statements were also made against Mr. Dickson Osajie, claiming involvement in crimes such as rape and ritual killing.
Authorities further allege that the publications caused fear for safety and threatened bodily harm to the complainants.
The offences cited fall under provisions of the Criminal Code Act (Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004) and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
The case follows a formal petition submitted to the Nigeria Police Force by Mr. Osajie, who alleged persistent cyberstalking, harassment, invasion of privacy, threats to life, and dissemination of false information affecting himself, Apostle Suleman, and their families.
Statement from Maureen Badejo
Ms. Badejo maintains her readiness to face the court and present her defense, expressing confidence in the Nigerian judicial system to ensure fairness and justice.
“I will appear in court as required and trust that the truth will prevail through due legal process,” she stated.
However Ms. Badejo is expected to be formally arraigned before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, where the charges will be read and she will enter her plea.
News
Rivers Assembly Suspends Impeachment Move Against Fubara After Tinubu’s Intervention
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially suspended impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention.
The House moved the motion to halt the impeachment process on Thursday at its resumed sitting in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
JomogNews had reported that during its first sitting of 2026, the House had begun impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy over allegations of gross misconduct, including the demolition of the State Assembly complex and alleged spending without legislative approval, among other claims.
More details later….
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