Nnamdi Kanu Lists Malami, Wike, Umahi, Sanwo-Olu, Danjuma, Buratai, Others as Defence Witnesses
Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has named several prominent Nigerian political and military figures, including former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, as witnesses in his ongoing terrorism trial.
In a fresh motion personally signed and submitted before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Kanu expressed his readiness to begin his defence, in compliance with the court’s directive. The motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, was dated October 20 and filed on October 21, 2025.
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 application follows the court’s order issued on October 16, directing Kanu to commence his defence on October 24, 2025.
Kanu informed the court of his plan to call a total of 23 witnesses, grouped into two categories. The first group consists of what he described as “ordinary but material witnesses.” The second group comprises “vital and compellable” witnesses, whom he has asked the court to summon under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.
He also requested a 90-day timeframe to allow for the completion of his defence, given the number of witnesses he intends to call. In addition, Kanu stated his intention to testify on his own behalf, providing a sworn statement denying the charges against him and explaining the political context of his actions and public statements.
Among those listed as “compellable witnesses” are the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike; former Minister of Defence, General Theophilus Danjuma (retired); former Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai (retired); Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; and Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State. Others named include the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; former Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu; former Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; and the immediate-past Director General of the State Security Service (SSS), Yusuf Bichi. Kanu also mentioned that several other witnesses, whose identities remain undisclosed, would be called as part of his defence.
He assured the court that sworn statements from all voluntary witnesses would be submitted and the prosecution would be notified within a reasonable time. Kanu emphasized that he had no intention of wasting the court’s time and insisted that it was in the public interest for justice not only to be done but to be seen to have been done.
This development comes shortly after Kanu filed a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction to continue with his trial. The objection was lodged the same day a panel of medical experts appointed by the court submitted a report confirming that Kanu is medically fit to stand trial.
Meanwhile, a magistrate court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, along with 12 others, following their arrest during a protest on Monday organized by activist Omoyele Sowore. The protest was staged to oppose Kanu’s continued detention and prosecution.
The police have charged the 13 individuals, including Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel, with multiple offences including criminal conspiracy, disobedience of lawful order, incitement, and disturbing the public peace — in violation of Sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code.
The magistrate ordered that all 13 accused persons be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre pending their arraignment, which is scheduled for October 24.
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