A Federal High Court in Abuja has admitted in evidence a radio transmitter allegedly smuggled into the country by the detained self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The court also heard how a search warrant obtained from a Chief Magistrate Court in Ihiala, Anambra State, led to the recovery from the home of an associate of Kanu, Benjamin Madubugu, at Ubuluisiuzor, two unlicensed pump action guns, some ammunition, laptop computers, and some quantity of marijuana.
Justice James Omotosho admitted the transmitter along with a 20-foot container in which it was allegedly smuggled into the country from the United Kingdom.
Justice Omotosho admitted the container as Exhibit PWY and the radio transmitter as Exhibit PWZ during a brief proceeding conducted on Friday within the premises of the headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja. The decision of the court to conduct the proceeding in the DSS headquarters was informed by an oral application by prosecuting lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), who prayed the court to inspect the transmitter and container which is in the DSS’ facility. The DSS counsel made the application midway into the testimony of the fourth prosecution witness, who also testified about how the transmitter and container were recovered in premises in Ubuluisiuzor, Ihiala Local Government of Anambra State. The prosecuting lawyer said it was impossible for the prosecution to physically bring the transmitter and the container to the court premises and urged the court to relocate to where they were kept for the purpose of sighting and for the prosecution to tender them.
Defence lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) did not object to Awomolo’s application, which was subsequently granted by the judge.
Further hearing in the case has been adjourned till June 18, 19 and 20 within which the prosecution is expected to close its case.