…witness also alleged that Kanu was the founder and head of both IPOB and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN)
Kanu’s Broadcasts Led to Killings of Gulak, Others, Witness Tells Court
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday heard damning testimony linking broadcasts by the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to a series of violent killings, including that of former presidential aide Ahmed Gulak.
A Department of State Services (DSS) operative, testifying as the second prosecution witness in Kanu’s ongoing terrorism trial, told the court that the IPOB leader’s inflammatory statements on Radio Biafra directly incited attacks leading to the deaths of Gulak, retired Justice Stanley Nnaji, and two military officers—Sergeant Audu Lucas and Private Glory Matthew.
The witness, who was part of the DSS investigative team assigned to the case following a petition from former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, said that Kanu’s call for a sit-at-home order across Southeastern Nigeria prompted fatal enforcement actions by his followers. He claimed individuals who defied the order, including the aforementioned military officers, were killed and beheaded.
According to the witness, Gulak’s killers justified their actions by accusing him of violating the sit-at-home directive issued in Kanu’s broadcast. He also alleged that Kanu was the founder and head of both IPOB and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“We were able to establish that he (Kanu) founded Radio Biafra through which he issued inciting broadcasts, including directives to kill security personnel and destroy government infrastructure,” the DSS officer said.
The witness further stated that Radio Biafra is not registered in Nigeria and that several violent incidents—including the burning of police stations in Lagos (Cele and Ilasa), the destruction of over 100 luxury buses owned by the Lagos State Government, and damage to parts of Murtala Muhammed International Airport—were carried out by Kanu’s supporters following his broadcasts.
“He not only called for the killing of security agents, but also instructed that they be beheaded—which was carried out,” the witness added.
The DSS investigation reportedly concluded that Kanu’s push for an independent Biafran state included secessionist ambitions involving the Southeast as well as parts of Benue and Kogi states. “He advocated the creation of Biafra by any means necessary, including war,” the witness said.
A video was played in court showing Kanu’s interrogation, in which he appeared with his lawyers, including Alloy Ejimakor. The session showed a calm exchange, with Kanu identifying himself as the founder of IPOB and ESN and admitting to making broadcasts during the #EndSARS protests and on other political matters.
However, Kanu denied responsibility for violent incidents, arguing that IPOB is a non-violent, peaceful movement. He claimed he had no direct control over the daily operations of IPOB and ESN, which he said were managed by state coordinators.
Addressing the #EndSARS protests, Kanu said he did speak about the issue on Radio Biafra but dismissed any link between his comments and the violence that occurred in Lagos, which he described as being outside IPOB’s scope.
Kanu also defended the creation of ESN, stating it was a response to rising insecurity and killings in the Southeast. “If our people can no longer farm or go about their daily lives safely, are we supposed to do nothing?” he asked.
He reiterated his claim that the 2017 military invasion of his residence prompted him to flee Nigeria and criticized the circumstances surrounding his 2021 arrest in Kenya and extradition.
Following the conclusion of the witness’s direct testimony, Kanu’s lead counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), requested an adjournment to prepare for cross-examination.
Justice James Omotosho adjourned the trial until May 14, 21, and 22 for continuation of proceedings. Read More
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