In a dramatic turn in the longstanding terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained IPOB leader has named an extraordinary list of 23 proposed witnesses that includes some of Nigeria’s most prominent political and military figures.
The development sets the stage for a legal proceeding that seems certain to extend far beyond the courtroom into the heart of the country’s political landscape.
The witness list, formally submitted to the Federal High Court in Abuja, features an unprecedented collection of high-profile names. Among those Mr. Kanu hopes to call to testify are Nyesom Wike, the powerful Minister of the Federal Capital Territory; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and former Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (retd.). The extensive list continues with other notable figures including former Defence Minister General Theophilus Danjuma (retd.), Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, Works Minister David Umahi, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, and immediate past Attorney-General Abubakar Malami (SAN).
This legal strategy offers the first clear glimpse into how Kanu’s defence team plans to counter the terrorism charges against him. In his court filing, he has carefully categorized his witnesses into two distinct groups: “ordinary but material witnesses” and what he terms “vital and compellable witnesses.” The latter category contains all the high-profile names, indicating that his legal team may invoke Section 232 of the Evidence Act to compel their testimony if they prove reluctant to appear voluntarily.
The timing of this legal tactic adds another layer of complexity to an already tense situation. This development came just one day after security forces arrested and arraigned Mr. Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, his brother Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and ten other supporters following a #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja organized by activist Omoyele Sowore. The twelve arrested individuals now face charges including criminal conspiracy, disobedience of lawful order, and inciting disturbance, with a magistrate court ordering them remanded until Friday’s hearing.
Meanwhile, a separate but related controversy continues to simmer around Kanu’s health condition. His family has launched a fierce public challenge against the Nigerian Medical Association’s report that declared him fit to stand trial.
Kanunta Kanu, speaking on behalf of the family, described the medical assessment as “concocted” and directly accused the NMA of acting on prosecution instructions rather than conducting a genuine examination. “We want the world to know that NMA did not visit Mazi Nnamdi Kanu for any medical test,” he stated, demanding the association explain how what he called a “concocted report” was produced.
The family also used the opportunity to defend Mr. Sowore against growing criticism, praising the activist for having “did what he was supposed to do by mobilising Nigerians to protest against injustice.” In a pointed remark that highlighted the political tensions surrounding the case, Kanunta suggested that “some Igbo politicians are ashamed that Sowore, a non-Igbo, did what they lacked the courage to do.”
This latest legal filing represents the next phase in a trial that has stretched across nearly a decade, coming after Justice James Omotosho’s recent ruling that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against Mr. Kanu. That decision effectively dismissed the defence’s earlier argument that there was no case to answer, forcing Mr. Kanu to now mount his defence.
The IPOB leader has requested a 90-day window to conclude his defence case and has indicated his intention to testify personally. In his court submission, he stated: “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.” He added that ensuring justice is “manifestly seen to have been done” remains crucial.
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