The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu in a new legal twist, has decided to open his defence, naming several high-profile figures, including ex-Defence Minister Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), former Army Chief Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), and serving ministers Nyesom Wike and Dave Umahi, among his witnesses.
This move came shortly after Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), led a public demonstration in Abuja calling for Kanu’s release.
Kanu to Begin Defence in October
Just last week, Kanu had filed a preliminary objection questioning the court’s jurisdiction to proceed with his trial.
On the same day, a panel of court-appointed medical experts submitted a report declaring him fit to face trial.
However, in a fresh motion personally filed on Tuesday, 21 October, before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Kanu announced his readiness to commence his defence on 24 October 2025 — in line with the earlier directive issued in 2015.
According to the motion, Kanu intends to present 23 witnesses divided into two categories — “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable” witnesses who will be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.
Prominent Witnesses on Kanu’s List
Those listed in the second group include Gen. Danjuma, Gen. Buratai, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Works Minister Dave Umahi, former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, ex-Justice Minister Abubakar Malami (SAN), former NIA Director-General Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, and DSS Director-General Yusuf Magaji Bichi.
The motion, which Kanu personally signed, hinted at a possible rift between him and his lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN). He also sought a 90-day period to fully present his defence and promised to testify personally.
Kanu Vows to Cooperate with the Court
In his submission, Kanu assured the court that he would not waste its time and that “justice would not only be done but be clearly seen to have been done.”
He expressed readiness to give sworn testimony addressing both the allegations and the political context of his actions.
Kanu’s Lawyer, Others Remanded in Kuje
Meanwhile, as Kanu’s motion was being filed, his special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 other persons were ordered to be remanded by an Abuja magistrate’s court following protests over Kanu’s continued detention.
They were charged with criminal conspiracy, inciting public disturbance, and disobedience of lawful orders — offences contrary to Sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code.
Those named in the two First Information Reports include Ejimakor, Kanu’s brother Emmanuel, Joshua Emmanuel, Clinton Chimeneze, and Godwill Obioma.
The magistrate, after briefly standing down the case, directed that the defendants be kept at Kuje Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter to 24 October for arraignment.