The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday admitted in evidence videos of General T.Y. Danjuma, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Ajayi, in Nnamdi Kanu’s defence.
Justice James Omotosho admitted the flash drive containing the three separate videos in a flash drive as Exhibit PW-P and a certificate of compliance as Exhibit PWP-1.
The documents were admitted as evidence after Paul Erokoro, counsel for Mr Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, tendered them from the bar and were not opposed by the federal government’s lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo.
The three videos were played in the open court, and the government’s witness, an operative of the DSS identified as BBB, was cross-examined by Mr Erokoro.
All the videos included public statements made by the three figures mentioned earlier about self-defence and insecurity in Nigeria.
In the first video, General Danjuma is seen speaking at what appears to be an academic gathering, as he was dressed in academic robes.
“The armed forces are not neutral. They collude with armed bandits and terrorists who are killing people. They provide them with information and cover. If you rely on the armed forces to stop the killings, you will all die one by one,” he said.
The second video showed DSS Director General (DG) Ajayi delivering a speech, citing examples of communities like Azare in Bauchi State that fought back against Boko Haram, killing the attackers, which led to no further attacks.
He also mentioned a community in Sokoto State that mobilised and defeated bandits, seizing their weapons.
Ajayi said, “You can’t expect the army and police to secure every part of Nigeria. It’s impossible. Communities must rise and defend themselves, and the time to act is now.”
He further stated that communities should approach the DSS for support, approval, and strategic guidance to organise themselves for defence.
The third video showed Imo Governor Uzodinma blaming politicians for the violence in Orlu, Imo State.
“If anyone tells you IPOB is responsible for the killings in Orlu zone, that’s not true. It’s wicked politicians who are sponsoring the violence there,” he said.
After playing the videos, Erokoro asked the witness, BBB, for his opinion. BBB said he fully supports comments made by the DG, DSS, because they advised communities to seek approval before mobilising for self-defence.
However, he declined to comment on Danjuma’s remarks.
When asked whether the DSS arrested Danjuma over his comments, BBB said he was unaware of any such arrest.
On Governor Uzodinma’s remarks, the witness said he believed the governor was referring to political killings but insisted that IPOB-linked violence has affected security officers, civilians, and politicians alike.
Kanu’s lawyer also presented the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry report on the End SARS protests as evidence in the trial. Justice Omotosho marked it as Exhibit PWO.
When asked if he was aware of the panel and its findings, BBB confirmed knowledge of the protest and the report but said he wasn’t aware of the report indicting security agencies.
Erokoro showed the witness videos of alleged members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN); the witness admitted he did not see anyone carrying weapons but suggested they might have hidden arms like pistols, daggers, or grenades under their clothing.
During re-examination, the prosecution lawyer Awomolo asked the witness to distinguish between the ESN, linked to IPOB, and Amotekun, a regional security outfit in the southwest.
BBB explained that Amotekun is recognised by law, with all the southwest state legislatures passing laws to legalise and register it. In contrast, ESN has no such legal backing.
Meanwhile, Justice Omotosho expressed a desire to expedite the case before judges begin their annual vacation in late July.
He instructed both parties to agree on six court dates over the next two weeks for the prosecution to present all witnesses and close its case.
He, however, said if the prosecution fails to meet this schedule, he would consider their case closed.
The parties agreed to return on May 28 and 29 and June 6, 16, 18, and 19, 2025.
Justice Omotosho therefore adjourned proceedings to May 28 for a continuation of the trial.
