The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has named several prominent Nigerians — including serving ministers, governors, and former military chiefs — as witnesses in his defence before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Gatekeepers News reports that among those listed are FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Minister of Works Dave Umahi, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, and former Defence Minister Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd). Others include former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, ex-Attorney-General Abubakar Malami (SAN), former NIA DG Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, and SSS Director-General Yusuf Magaji Bichi.
Kanu to Open Defence October 24
Kanu disclosed his intention to open his defence on October 24, 2025, in compliance with an earlier court order issued in 2015. His notice to the court, personally signed and filed on October 21, indicated a plan to call 23 witnesses divided into two categories — “ordinary but material witnesses” and a second group of “vital and compellable” witnesses to be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.
The fresh filing came just hours after a panel of medical experts submitted a report confirming that Kanu was fit to stand trial, and a day after he filed a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction.
In the new motion, Kanu also sought a 90-day window to present his full defence, pledging to testify personally to provide what he called a “sworn account” to clarify the political context of his statements and actions.
“No precious time of the honourable court would be delayed,” Kanu said, adding that his goal was to ensure that “justice is not only done but manifestly seen to have been done.”
The motion was signed solely by Kanu, signalling a possible rift with his legal team led by Kanu Agabi (SAN).
Protests, Arrests Trail Trial Proceedings
Meanwhile, Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others were remanded in custody by a Magistrate’s Court in Abuja following their participation in protests demanding Kanu’s release.
The group, which included Kanu’s brother Emmanuel Kanu, was charged with criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, and disobedience of lawful orders, offences contrary to Sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code.
According to two separate First Information Reports (FIRs), other defendants include Joshua Emmanuel, Clinton Chimeneze, and Godwill Obioma.
After briefly standing down the matter, the magistrate ordered their remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre and adjourned the case until October 24 for arraignment.
Background
Kanu’s decision to proceed with his defence comes amid renewed calls for his release. On Tuesday, Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), led street protests in Abuja demanding that the IPOB leader be freed.
Kanu has been in detention since 2021 after his re-arrest and extradition from Kenya. He faces charges bordering on treasonable felony and terrorism.
