The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is preparing to open his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial, following the dismissal of his “no-case submission” by the Federal High Court.
In a significant legal move, Mr Kanu filed a fresh motion dated 20 October 2025, where he notified the court of his intention to call 23 witnesses. These witnesses are separated into two categories: “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses.”
Key Political and Military Figures Listed
The most notable names on the list fall under the “vital and compellable witnesses” category, which Mr Kanu intends to compel their attendance using Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.
Prominent figures listed include:
- Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
- Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Governor.
- Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), the former Chief of Army Staff.
- Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd.), a former Minister of Defence.
- Hope Uzodinma, the Imo State Governor.
- David Umahi, the Minister of Works.
- Abubakar Malami (SAN), the immediate past Attorney-General of the Federation.
- Yusuf Bichi, the former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS).
- Ahmed Abubakar, the immediate past Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
- Okezie Ikpeazu, the former Governor of Abia State.
Defence Strategy and Health Controversy
In the defence notice, personally signed by him, Mr Kanu also indicated his plan to testify on his own behalf. He pledged to provide a sworn account of the facts, deny the allegations, and explain the political context of his statements and actions to ensure that “justice is not only done but is manifestly seen to have been done.”
He has requested a 90-day window to conclude his defence presentation.
The development comes amidst ongoing controversy surrounding Mr Kanu’s health. While his legal team sought to have him transferred to the National Hospital for treatment, the prosecution insisted the DSS medical facility was adequate. The court-ordered assessment by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) concluded that Mr Kanu was fit to stand trial and that his condition could be managed at the DSS facility. However, his family has since rejected the NMA report, describing it as “concocted” and asserting that no genuine medical delegation examined him.
