Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is set to open his defence in his long-running terrorism trial, naming several top political and military figures among 23 witnesses he plans to call.
In a fresh motion filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja (FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015) and dated October 20, Kanu listed Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.) as “vital and compellable witnesses.” Others include former Defence Minister Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd.), Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, and Minister of Works David Umahi.
Also named are former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, ex-Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami (SAN), former Director-General of the Department of State Services Yusuf Bichi, and ex-Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency Ahmed Abubakar.
Kanu, who personally signed the motion, invoked Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011, to compel the appearance of the witnesses and requested a 90-day window to complete his defence. He pledged to testify in person and submit sworn statements to deny the charges and explain the political context of his actions.
The development follows Justice James Omotosho’s ruling that a prima facie case had been established against Kanu, dismissing his earlier no-case submission. The court has fixed October 23 for him to open his defence.
Meanwhile, tension rose in Abuja after security forces arrested Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor; his brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu; and 10 others during a #FreeNnamdiKanu protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore. The group was arraigned before a magistrate’s court for alleged conspiracy, inciting disturbance, and disobedience of lawful orders.
Separately, the court recently ordered the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to assess Kanu’s health following his request for medical treatment outside the DSS facility. The NMA report concluded that Kanu was fit to stand trial — a finding his family has rejected as “fabricated.”
In a statement from Abia State, Kanu’s brother, Kanunta Kanu, alleged that no medical team from the NMA ever examined him and accused the Federal Government of orchestrating his persecution. He also defended Sowore, insisting the activist merely exercised his democratic rights in leading the protest.
The family reiterated its call for the immediate release of Kanu and other detained supporters, urging the government to comply with existing court rulings that ordered his unconditional freedom.