Nnamdi Kanu lists Wike, Umahi, Buratai and others as witnesses as he opens defence

Nnamdi Kanu Opens Defence, Lists Prominent Nigerian Figures as Witnesses

In a dramatic turn in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the Federal High Court in Abuja was formally notified of his readiness to commence defence proceedings.

This development follows a previous motion of preliminary objection filed by Kanu, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to continue the trial. However, on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Kanu submitted a new motion, personally signed, indicating his compliance with the court’s directive to begin defence on October 24, 2025.

The court’s decision to proceed was bolstered by a recent medical evaluation conducted by a team of experts appointed by the judiciary, which concluded that Kanu was medically fit to stand trial. In his motion, Kanu expressed his intention to call a total of 23 witnesses, categorized into two distinct groups: “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable” witnesses, the latter to be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.

Kanu declared his willingness to testify on his own behalf, offering a sworn account aimed at refuting the allegations against him and providing a political context for his statements and actions. He requested a 90-day window to conclude his defence, citing the extensive volume of evidence and the number of witnesses involved.

Among the high-profile individuals listed as compellable witnesses are former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd); former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd); Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; and former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. Also named were the immediate past Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN; former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; and Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Magaji Bichi. Additional witnesses were mentioned but not publicly disclosed.

Kanu assured the court that sworn statements from all voluntary witnesses would be provided and that the prosecution would be promptly notified. His legal team emphasized their commitment to ensuring that justice is not only served but is visibly upheld.

This legal maneuvering coincides with a separate judicial development involving Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others who were recently remanded by a magistrate court in Abuja. They had participated in a protest demanding Kanu’s release and now face charges including criminal conspiracy, disobedience to lawful order, inciting disturbance, and breach of public peace. These charges are said to contravene Sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code Law.

The 13 defendants, including Kanu’s brother Emmanuel, appeared in court under two separate first information reports (FIRs). Following a brief adjournment, the magistrate ordered their remand at Kuje Correctional Centre pending arraignment on the same date Kanu is set to open his defence: October 24, 2025.