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By Correspondent in Abuja.
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The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, has listed prominent Nigerian figures, including former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami, as witnesses in his ongoing alleged terrorism trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In a fresh motion personally signed and filed before Justice James Omotosho, Kanu expressed his readiness to open his defence as directed by the court. The motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, was dated October 20 and filed on October 21, 2025.
Titled “Notice of Number and Names of Witnesses to be Called by the Defendant and Request for Witness Summons/Subpoena and the Variation of the Time Within Which to Defend the Counts/Charges against the Defendant,” the application was filed pursuant to the court’s order of October 16, 2025, which mandated Kanu to commence his defence on October 24.
Kanu informed the court of his intention to call 23 witnesses divided into two categories — ordinary but material witnesses and vital and compellable witnesses. He invoked Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011, seeking the court’s approval to summon the latter group.
Among those listed as compellable witnesses are the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike; former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd); former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd); Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma.
Others include the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu; former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; and former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, among several others whose names were not disclosed.
The IPOB leader also prayed the court for a 90-day period to conclude his defence, citing the number and significance of the witnesses. He pledged to submit sworn statements from voluntary witnesses and to ensure that “no precious time of the honourable court would be delayed.”
Kanu stated that he would personally testify to deny the allegations against him and explain the political context surrounding his actions and statements. He emphasized that “justice must not only be done but be manifestly seen to have been done.”
This latest motion follows Kanu’s preliminary objection filed last Thursday, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to continue with his trial. The objection came shortly after a team of medical experts appointed by the court submitted a report declaring him fit to stand trial.
In a related development, a magistrate court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered the remand of Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others arrested during Monday’s protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore against Kanu’s continued detention.
The police charged the 13 suspects with criminal conspiracy, disobedience of lawful order, inciting disturbance, and disturbance of public peace under Sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code. The magistrate ordered their remand in Kuje Correctional Centre pending arraignment on October 24, 2025.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
