Nnamdi Kanu Lists Wike, Malami, Umahi, Sanwo-Olu, Uzodinma, Buratai, Others, As Defence Witnesses

The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, made a surprising move on Tuesday by agreeing to defend himself in court.

This decision came just hours after Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), led a protest in parts of Abuja demanding Kanu’s release.

Last Thursday, Nnamdi Kanu had filed a preliminary objection challenging the court’s authority to continue his trial.

That same day, a panel of medical experts appointed by the court submitted a report confirming he was medically fit to stand trial.

However, in a new motion personally filed on October 21, Kanu informed the court that he was ready to begin his defence in line with an earlier order issued on October 16, 2015, directing him to start his defence on October 24, 2025.

Addressing Justice James Omotosho, who presides over the case, Kanu revealed plans to call 23 witnesses, divided into two groups.

The first group, he said, would consist of “ordinary but material witnesses,” while the second would include “vital and compellable witnesses” who would be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.

In the notice personally signed by Kanu, suggesting he may have dismissed his legal team led by Kanu Agabi (SAN), he requested 90 days to present his defence due to the number of witnesses he intends to call.

Kanu also said he would testify on his own behalf, offering a sworn account to deny the charges against him and explain the political context of his actions and statements.

Among those listed as “compellable witnesses” are 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 Uzodinma.

Others include the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; and former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

He also listed the immediate past Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN); former National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Director-General, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; and the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Yusuf Magaji Bichi, among other unnamed witnesses.

Kanu assured the court that he would submit sworn statements from all voluntary witnesses and notify the prosecution in good time. He also promised not to waste the court’s time, saying it was important that justice be seen to be done.

KanyiDaily recalls that Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja barred Nnamdi Kanu’s sister-in-law from attending court for the next three sessions.