From Victor Osula, Abuja
The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has taken a bold legal step by naming top government officials, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, among witnesses he intends to call in his ongoing trial before the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The move comes amid renewed agitation for Kanu’s release. On Monday, activist and the publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, led a peaceful protest in Abuja demanding the IPOB leader’s freedom and accusing the government of weaponising the judicial process against dissenting voices.
Kanu, who is facing a seven-count amended charge of treason and terrorism preferred against him by the Federal Government, personally signed a fresh motion notifying the court of his intention to open his defence on October 24, 2025, as directed by the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho.
The motion lists 23 witnesses, grouped into two categories — “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses” — as provided under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.
Among those described as “vital and compellable” are Nyesom Wike, Dave Umahi, and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as well as Hope Uzodinma, Governor of Imo State; Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), former Minister of Defence; and Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), former Chief of Army Staff.
The proscribed IPOB leader also listed several former ministers, military chiefs, and senior political figures whom he believes possess crucial knowledge that could aid his defence. His legal team argues that their testimonies will help establish the circumstances surrounding his arrest, detention, and prosecution.
Kanu has been in the detention facility of the DSS since June 27, 2021, when he was extradited to Nigeria after he was re-arrested in Kenya on June 19, 2021.
In the motion, Kanu’s lawyers requested a 90-day window to present his full defence, citing the number of witnesses and the need to summon serving public officials. They also urged the court to provide adequate time to ensure fairness and compliance with due process.
