![Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.[PHOTO CREDIT: Ripples Nigeria]](https://crediblenewsng.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Nnamdi-Kanu-.jpg)
Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has filed a fresh motion before the Federal High Court in Abuja naming 23 witnesses for his upcoming defence in his long-running terrorism trial.
In the motion dated October 20 and filed on October 21, Kanu personally listed several prominent figures, including former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as witnesses he intends to summon. The filing, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, was addressed to Justice James Omotosho.
According to the application titled “Notice of Number and Names of Witnesses to be Called by the Defendant”, Kanu’s witness list is divided into two groups — “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses.”
He invoked Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011, to compel some of the high-profile figures to appear in court.
Also named among the “compellable” witnesses are Minister of Works Dave Umahi, former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), ex-Minister of Defence Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, and former DSS Director-General Yusuf Bichi.
The IPOB leader assured the court that he is ready to begin his defence on October 24, in line with the earlier directive of the court.
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He also requested a 90-day timeframe to complete his defence, pledging to provide sworn statements from all voluntary witnesses and to avoid unnecessary delays.
Kanu emphasised that his testimony would provide a first-hand account of events surrounding the allegations against him and the political context of his statements and actions.
He expressed confidence that the process would ensure justice is “not only done but manifestly seen to be done.”
The filing comes days after Kanu submitted a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction to continue his trial. This followed a medical report from a court-appointed team confirming that he is medically fit to stand trial.
Meanwhile, in a related development, a magistrate court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others arrested during a protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore on Monday.
The group faces charges of criminal conspiracy and disturbance of public peace and will remain in Kuje Correctional Centre pending their arraignment on October 24.
NAN
