Terrorism Case: Kanu Names Wike, Sanwo-Olu, Buratai Among 23 Witnesses

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is preparing to open his defence in his long-running terrorism trial, naming several prominent politicians and retired military officers as witnesses.

In a new motion filed on October 20 and marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, Kanu listed 23 witnesses, including 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 (retd.)

The defence notice, personally signed by Kanu, categorizes his witnesses into two groups — “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses.”

Among those listed as “vital and compellable” are former Defence Minister Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd.), 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).

Also included are former DSS Director-General Yusuf Bichi, former NIA Director-General Ahmed Abubakar, and other unnamed individuals.

Kanu stated that he would rely on Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011 to compel the appearance of key witnesses and requested a 90-day timeframe to conclude his defence. He pledged to testify personally and provide sworn statements from supporting witnesses.

“I will testify on my own behalf, giving a sworn account to deny the allegations and explain the political context of my actions and statements,” Kanu told the court. “It is in the interest of justice that the truth be clearly seen and heard.”

The new filing 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 10 others. The 12 detainees were charged with conspiracy, disobedience of a lawful order, and public disturbance, and have been remanded pending further hearing on October 24.

Kanu’s defence notice follows Justice James Omotosho’s ruling that a prima facie case had been established against him after rejecting his earlier no-case submission. His legal team’s request for a transfer to the National Hospital for medical treatment was opposed by prosecutors, who maintained that the DSS facility was sufficient. After an independent review by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the court was informed that Kanu was fit to stand trial.

Justice Omotosho has scheduled October 23 for the formal commencement of Kanu’s defence.

Meanwhile, Kanu’s family in Abia State has rejected the NMA’s medical report, describing it as fabricated. Speaking on behalf of the family, Kanunta Kanu insisted that no medical team ever examined Kanu in detention.

“The NMA never visited Nnamdi Kanu for any medical evaluation. Any report presented to the court is false and politically motivated,” Kanunta said. He accused the authorities of orchestrating Kanu’s persecution and warned that continued injustice against him and the Igbo people could deepen national divisions.

He also defended Sowore, clarifying that the activist played no role in the arrest of Kanu’s relatives or legal team. “Sowore only exercised his democratic right to protest against injustice. Anyone blaming him for the arrests is being insincere,” he said.

The family renewed its call for the immediate release of all those arrested during the protest and demanded Kanu’s unconditional freedom, citing several court rulings that have already ordered his release.