Nnamdi Kanu admitted ordering attacks on Tinubu, Wike —DSS witness testifies

IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu

A prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), testified on Wednesday that Kanu confirmed making broadcasts in which he called for the assassination of President Bola Tinubu and minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The witness, led in evidence by prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo, told the Federal High Court in Abuja that Kanu made the confirmation while his statement was being taken on July 17, 2021.

According to the witness, Kanu admitted to ordering the killings and the burning of federal government properties.

The court admitted into evidence seven recordings of Kanu’s broadcasts, stored on a flash drive, which were subsequently played in open court.

In a broadcast dated December 12, 2020, Kanu described the Eastern Security Network (ESN) as a vigilante group established to protect the South-East, similar to the Amotekun Corps in the South-West and the Miyetti Allah group.

Towards the end of this broadcast, he allegedly urged his followers to target Wike, accusing the minister of placing a N50 million bounty on a Biafran’s head.

In another broadcast from October 20, 2020, during the End SARS protests, Kanu allegedly directed his followers to cause unrest in Lagos and to kill Tinubu, whom he described as a traitor.

He said, “Tinubu’s hotel must be burnt down. Tinubu should not be allowed to escape.”

In a third broadcast, Kanu was said to have announced a N100 million bounty on Wike’s head, encouraging his followers to “take Wike down” and pledging to pay the amount in cash.

“N100m for anyone who can take Wike down. Dead or alive, Wike is N100m. I will pay cash. Take down Wike, I will pay you cash,” he reportedly said.

“The bounty on Wike’s head is N100m. Get me his head, you will get N100m. Wike offered N50m for the head of a Biafran,” the IPOB leader added.

These allegations are part of a broader seven-count amended charge against Kanu, including treasonable felony and terrorism-related offenses.

The case is being heard by Justice James Omotosho, who took over the matter following the withdrawal of Justice Binta Nyako from the trial in September 2024.

Kanu, who was re-arrested in June 2021, has pleaded not guilty to all charges.