Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has identified Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, as well as Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Hope Uzodimma, as witnesses in his ongoing trial concerning allegations of terrorism.
Among the individuals listed by Mr Kanu as “compellable witnesses” are former Defence Minister Theophilus Danjuma, ex-Army Chief Tukur Buratai, and former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami. Other notable figures include Works Minister Dave Umahi, former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, ex-Director General of the National Intelligence Agency Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, and former Director General of the State Security Service Yusuf Bichi.
In a motion personally signed and filed before Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Mr Kanu expressed his readiness to commence his defence as mandated by the court. He stated his intention to provide sworn statements from all voluntary witnesses to the court and to inform the prosecution within a reasonable timeframe.
The motion, designated FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015 and dated 20 October, was submitted on 21 October. Mr Kanu indicated that this action was “pursuant to the order of this honourable court made on 16 October 2015, which directed the defendant to initiate his defence on 24 October 2025”.
He informed the court of his plan to summon a total of 23 witnesses, categorised into two groups. The first group consists of what he referred to as “ordinary but material witnesses”. The second group includes “vital and compellable witnesses”, who will be called in accordance with Section 232 of the Evidence Act 2011.
In light of the number of witnesses he intends to call, Mr Kanu requested the court to consider granting a 90-day period to complete his defence. He assured the court that he would testify on his own behalf, providing a sworn account of the facts, denying the allegations, and elucidating the political context of his statements and actions. He emphasised that “no precious time of the honourable court would be wasted” and expressed his commitment to ensuring that justice is not only achieved but also visibly upheld.
This recent motion follows a preliminary objection filed by the detained IPOB leader, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to proceed with his trial. This objection was submitted on the same day that a team of medical experts, appointed by the court to assess his health status, reported that he was fit to stand trial.
Additionally, a magistrate’s court in Abuja recently ordered the remand of Mr Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, along with 12 others who were arrested during a protest led by Omoyele Sowore on Monday against the ongoing trial and detention of the IPOB leader.
The police have charged the 13 individuals with offences including criminal conspiracy, disobedience of a lawful order, inciting disturbance, and disturbing public peace, in violation of Sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code Law.
The defendants named in two separate first information reports include Mr Ejimakor, Mr Kanu’s younger brother Emmanuel, Joshua Emmanuel, Wilson Anyalewechi, Okere Nnamdi, Clinton Chimeneze, Gabriel Joshua, Isiaka Husseini, Onyekachi Ferdinand, Amadi Prince, Edison Ojisom, Godwill Obioma, and Chima Onuchukwu.
The magistrate has ordered the defendants to be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre until their arraignment on 24 October.
(NAN)
