Nnamdi Kanu Names Wike, Buratai, Sanwo-Olu, Others as Key Witnesses, Seeks 3-Month Defence Window

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has filed a motion requesting 90 days to present his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial, citing the large number of high-profile witnesses he plans to call.

In a motion personally signed and filed before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Kanu listed several “compellable witnesses,” including former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, former Minister of Defence Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.

Other notable names include Minister of Works Dave Umahi, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, and former Director-General of the State Security Service Yusuf Bichi, alongside additional witnesses whose identities were not disclosed.

Kanu’s motion, dated October 20 and filed on October 21, is 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.”*

The IPOB leader said he intends to call 23 witnesses in two categories: “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable” witnesses to be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011. He also confirmed he would testify on his own behalf, denying the allegations and explaining the political context of his statements and actions.

Kanu assured the court that all voluntary witnesses’ sworn statements would be submitted and that the proceedings would not waste the court’s time, emphasizing the importance of justice being both done and seen to be done.

The filing follows Kanu’s recent preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction to try him, submitted shortly after court-empaneled medical experts confirmed he is fit to stand trial.

Meanwhile, a magistrate court in Abuja has remanded Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others in Kuje Correctional Centre. The group was arrested during protests organized by Omoyele Sowore against Kanu’s trial and detention. They face charges including criminal conspiracy, disobedience of lawful orders, and disturbance of public peace. Their arraignment is scheduled for October 24.