The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has listed several high-profile Nigerians, including former and serving government officials, as witnesses in his ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
In a fresh motion personally signed and filed before Justice James Omotosho, Kanu described the individuals as “compellable witnesses” whose testimonies are crucial to his defence.
Among those named are former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami (SAN); 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.
Others include the Minister of Works Dave Umahi; former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu; former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; and former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) Yusuf Bichi.
The motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, dated October 20 and filed October 21, also indicated that Kanu intends to call 23 witnesses in total.
He categorised them into two groups, “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses,” who would be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.
Kanu also requested 90 days to conclude his defence, citing the number and prominence of witnesses he plans to call. He assured the court that he would personally testify to refute the allegations against him and provide context for his actions and statements.
According to him, all voluntary witnesses would submit sworn statements, and the defence would ensure no time of the court is wasted.
The motion followed a preliminary objection Kanu filed earlier, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to continue his trial. It also came after a medical panel appointed by the court confirmed that he was fit to stand trial.
Kanu’s motion offering to open his defence came on the same day a magistrate court in Abuja ordered the remand of his special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor and 12 others who were among those protesting against Kanu’s continued trial.