Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has submitted a fresh motion before the Federal High Court, Abuja, listing 23 witnesses, including top political figures and former military chiefs, to testify in his ongoing terrorism trial.
In the motion dated October 20, 2025 and marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, Kanu named the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.) among those he intends to call as witnesses.
Others on the list include former Defence Minister Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd.), Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, Minister of Works David Umahi, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, and former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami (SAN).
Kanu’s filing categorised the witnesses as “ordinary but material” and “vital and compellable.” He indicated that he would rely on Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011 to compel the appearance of those deemed vital to his defence.
The IPOB leader also requested a 90-day window to complete his defence, pledging to personally testify and present sworn statements from voluntary witnesses.
“I will testify on my own behalf, providing a sworn account of the facts, denying the allegations, and explaining the political context of my statements and actions,” Kanu stated.
This development comes shortly after activist Omoyele Sowore led a #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja, which resulted in the arrest of Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, his brother Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and ten others. They have since been charged with criminal conspiracy, disobedience of a lawful order, and inciting disturbance before a magistrate’s court.
The latest filing follows Justice James Omotosho’s ruling that a prima facie case had been established against Kanu, dismissing his earlier no-case submission.
Meanwhile, Kanu’s legal team’s request for his transfer to the National Hospital for medical treatment was opposed by the prosecution, which argued that the DSS medical facility was adequate. The judge subsequently directed the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to assess his condition.
While the NMA reportedly declared Kanu fit to stand trial, his family has rejected the medical report, describing it as “fabricated.”
In a statement from Abia State, Kanunta Kanu, speaking for the family, insisted that no medical delegation ever examined the IPOB leader, alleging that the report was concocted by the prosecution.
He further accused the Federal Government of persecuting Kanu and the Igbo people, warning that continued injustice could deepen national division.
The family also defended activist Omoyele Sowore, saying he should not be blamed for the arrests during the Abuja protest, describing him as a patriot who acted within his democratic rights.
They demanded the immediate release of all those detained during the protest and reiterated their call for Kanu’s unconditional freedom, citing several court rulings in his favour.
Justice Omotosho has fixed October 23, 2025, for the formal opening of Kanu’s defence.
