IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu Lists Prominent Nigerians as Defence Witnesses in Terrorism Trial
IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu has listed top Nigerian politicians and retired generals as witnesses in his terrorism trial.
He plans to call 23 witnesses and personally testify when his defence begins in Abuja.
The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has named several prominent Nigerians as witnesses in his terrorism trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Among those listed are former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma. Others include retired generals Theophilus Danjuma and Tukur Buratai, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, and former heads of the National Intelligence Agency and State Security Service, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar and Yusuf Bichi.
Kanu, who is facing terrorism charges linked to his separatist campaign for a Biafra Republic, filed a new motion on October 21 seeking the court’s permission to subpoena these individuals. The motion followed the court’s October 16 order directing him to open his defence from October 23.
In his filing, the IPOB leader told the court he plans to call 23 witnesses divided into two groups, “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses.” He asked for a 90-day window to complete his defence, instead of the six days earlier granted.
Kanu said he intends to testify personally to deny the allegations and explain the political context of his actions. “Justice must not only be done but must be seen to have been done,” he wrote in his motion.
The prosecution had closed its case in June after presenting five witnesses, accusing Kanu of making inciting statements that led to violence and destruction in parts of the South-East.
Kanu, a dual citizen of Nigeria and the United Kingdom, recently underwent a court-ordered medical evaluation, which declared him fit to stand trial. He has also filed a separate objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction to continue the case.
Meanwhile, tension around his detention has continued to grow. Earlier this week, police in Abuja arrested 12 people, including Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and his brother, Emmanuel Kanu, during a protest demanding his release. The protest, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, was held despite a court ruling that restricted demonstrations in certain parts of the city. The protesters were later remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre pending their arraignment.
