The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja of his readiness to open his defence against terrorism charges, submitting a list of 23 witnesses that includes some of Nigeria’s most prominent political and security figures.
The move came after the court, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, ruled that Kanu had a case to answer, paving the way for him to present his defence.
In a fresh motion personally signed and filed on October 21, 2025, Kanu assured the court of his readiness to proceed. The list of witnesses is divided into two categories: “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses.”
Among the high-profile individuals named are:
ยท Abubakar Malami, SAN: The former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
ยท Nyesom Wike: The former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
ยท Dave Umahi: The former Governor of Ebonyi State and current Minister of Works.
ยท Babajide Sanwo-Olu: The Governor of Lagos State.
ยท General T.Y. Danjuma (rtd): Former Chief of Army Staff and former Minister of Defence.
ยท Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (rtd): Former Chief of Army Staff and former Ambassador.
Given the number of individuals he intends to call, Kanu has prayed the court for a 90-day timeframe to enable him to conclude his defence, suggesting a lengthy and complex legal battle ahead.
The inclusion of such high-ranking serving and former government officials is seen as an unprecedented and strategic move, likely aimed at compelling testimony on matters of state action and the circumstances surrounding his arrest and prosecution.
The case has been adjourned, and the court is expected to rule on Kanu’s application for an extended defence timeline. All eyes will be on the proceedings as the IPOB leader begins his defence in one of the country’s most closely watched trials.
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