The embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has submitted a fresh motion before the Federal High Court in Abuja, listing prominent Nigerian political and security figures, including former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, as witnesses in his ongoing trial on terrorism-related charges.
The motion, personally signed by Kanu and filed on October 21, comes ahead of his court-ordered defence scheduled to begin on October 24, 2025, before Justice James Omotosho. The case is marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015.
In the application, 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,” Kanu revealed that he intends to call 23 witnesses, categorized into “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable” witnesses.
Among the high-profile names listed as "compellable witnesses" are:
- Abubakar Malami, former AGF
- Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory
- Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), former Minister of Defence
- Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), former Chief of Army Staff
- Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State
- Hope Uzodinma, Governor of Imo State
- Dave Umahi, Minister of Works
- Okezie Ikpeazu, former Governor of Abia State
- Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA)
- Yusuf Bichi, immediate-past Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS)
Kanu has asked the court to issue subpoenas to compel these individuals to appear, in accordance with Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011. He also requested a 90-day period to conclude his defence, citing the complexity and importance of his witness list.
In his motion, Kanu stated his intention to testify in his own defence, arguing that his actions and statements were political in nature and not criminal. He pledged to submit sworn statements from voluntary witnesses and to avoid unnecessary delays in court proceedings.
This latest development follows Kanu’s filing of a preliminary objection last week, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to continue the trial. The objection coincided with a medical report submitted by a court-appointed panel of doctors, declaring Kanu fit to stand trial.
Meanwhile, the trial has seen rising tensions among Kanu's supporters. On Tuesday, a magistrate court in Abuja ordered the remand of his special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, along with 12 other individuals arrested during a protest on Monday led by activist Omoyele Sowore.
The 13 accused persons were charged with criminal conspiracy, disobedience of a lawful order, inciting public disturbance, and breach of peace—offences that contravene Sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code Law. Among them is Emmanuel Kanu, the IPOB leader’s younger brother.
They are to remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending their arraignment on October 24.
As legal fireworks intensify, the trial of Nnamdi Kanu is shaping up to be one of the most politically sensitive and closely watched cases in Nigeria’s recent history.
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