By Emamuzo Iboma
Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has publicly admitted that he founded Radio Biafra in London. During the proceedings, Kanu claimed that fighting for freedom is not a crime, but rather a fundamental human right that is universally recognized, including in Nigeria.
Kanu emphasized that, while he is fighting for the emancipation of people in the South East, South South, and parts of Benue and Kogi, Radio Biafra was not registered with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) because such registration was deemed unnecessary in Nigeria. He reiterated his commitment to nonviolent resistance, emphasizing that he is simply exercising his constitutional rights as a freedom fighter.
In an unusual turn of events, Justice James Omotosho granted the Federal Government’s request to shield its witnesses from public view due to security concerns, allowing them to testify behind screens with their identities obscured. This decision came after the prosecution, led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, argued that the gravity of the case required witness protection.
After the court’s ruling, the prosecution started presenting its case using a witness known only as PWAAA. Kanu’s legal team, led by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, did not object to the request.
Readings from a statement Kanu made on October 15, 2015, as well as a video of his interrogation by the Department of State Services (DSS) were shown in court as the trial went on. In addition, Kanu’s defense team did not object to the items that were shown in the courtroom after they were taken from his hotel room during his 2015 arrest.
After his case file was transferred to Justice Omotosho, Kanu’s trial recommenced, and he entered a not guilty plea to the seven treasonable felony charges against him.
