Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a fresh motion before the Federal High Court in Abuja, listing 23 witnesses he intends to call in his ongoing terrorism trial. The list includes a mix of political figures, retired military chiefs, former intelligence heads, and legal experts, whose testimonies Kanu describes as vital to his defence.
Among the “compellable witnesses” named are prominent personalities such as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Minister of Defence General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd); former Chief of Army Staff General Tukur Buratai (rtd); Minister of Works Dave Umahi; immediate-past Governor of Abia State Okezie Ikpeazu; and former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami.
Kanu’s motion divides witnesses into voluntary and compellable categories, requesting the court to subpoena some under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011. The witnesses are expected to provide crucial testimonies addressing various aspects of the charges, including procedural irregularities in the case, the legality of Kanu’s rendition from Kenya, and the political context of his statements and actions.
Also included are specialists such as a political historian, forensic linguists, a security expert, a digital expert from MIT, and Kanu’s personal physician, who will testify on his health. Kanu himself plans to testify, denying all allegations of terrorism and treason.
This development marks a significant phase as Kanu moves to personally lead his defence following the withdrawal of his legal team, deepening the complexity of the decade-long trial that has attracted intense national and international attention.
Kanu’s strategy aims to challenge the prosecution on jurisdictional grounds, evidence authenticity, and to highlight political motivations behind his arrest and trial.