Abuja, Nigeria – The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has formally notified the court of his intention to open his defence in his ongoing trial and has submitted a notice listing high-profile individuals as witnesses.
In a motion filed on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Kanu declared his readiness to testify and to call a total of 23 witnesses, categorised into “ordinary but material” witnesses and “vital and compellable” witnesses under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011. Among those he listed are:
- Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA)
- Dave Umahi, Minister of Works
- Tukur Buratai (retired), former Chief of Army Staff
- Theophilus Danjuma (retired), former Minister of Defence
- Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Hope Uzodinma, Governors of Lagos and Imo States respectively
- Abubakar Malami (SAN), former Minister of Justice
- Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, former Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA)
- Yusuf Magaji Bichi, former Director General of the State Security Service (SSS)
The notice also requests that the court permit a period of 90 days to enable the defence to conclude calling witnesses, given the number involved. Kanu himself stated that he will testify on his own behalf, provide a sworn statement and outline his version of the facts, including the political context of his statements and actions.
The court, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, had earlier granted Kanu six consecutive days beginning October 23 to open and close his defence. The legal team also secured permission for a private meeting between the defendant and his lawyers within the courtroom, citing concerns that consultations at the detention centre could be recorded or intercepted.
As of now, no public comment has been reported from the prosecution in response to Kanu’s witness list. The decision to include such a wide and senior group of witnesses represents a significant move in the defence strategy and is likely to draw attention given the prominence of the individuals listed.