Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), be relocated to the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Abuja.
According to Daily Post, the decision to move the proceedings from the Federal High Court came during Friday’s hearing as the court considered key evidence central to the terrorism charges against Kanu.
According to Justice Omotosho, the relocation was necessary to facilitate the inspection of a shipping container allegedly used by the defendant to smuggle a radio transmitter into Nigeria.
The transmitter was reportedly deployed for broadcasts on Radio Biafra, a station used by IPOB to propagate its separatist agenda.
Prosecutors argue that Kanu’s use of the transmitter forms part of the evidence linking him to terrorism-related offenses, as the broadcasts allegedly incited unrest and violence in southeastern Nigeria.
Kanu is standing trial for multiple charges bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony, stemming from his longstanding agitation for the secession of the southeastern region to form an independent Biafran state.
The Federal Government contends that IPOB’s activities have endangered national security, leading to multiple arrests and prosecutions of its members.
Meanwhile, the transfer of the trial venue has drawn mixed reactions, with some of Kanu’s supporters alleging government intimidation, while legal experts point to security and logistical considerations surrounding the sensitive nature of the evidence.
Kanu remains in the custody of the DSS as the trial continues at their Abuja facility.
