By Deborah Nnamdi
In a major twist in his long-running treason trial, the detained leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja of his decision to open his defence — listing several top political and military figures as witnesses.
Among those Kanu plans to summon are former Defence Minister Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), ex-Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and Works Minister Dave Umahi. Others include former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, ex-Justice Minister Abubakar Malami (SAN), former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, and Director-General of the State Security Service, Yusuf Magaji Bichi.
The development came just hours after African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Omoyele Sowore, led a protest in Abuja demanding Kanu’s release.
Kanu, who recently lost a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction, filed a fresh motion on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, notifying the court that he would begin his defence on October 24, as earlier directed by Justice James Omotosho.
According to court filings personally signed by him, Kanu intends to call 23 witnesses divided into two categories: “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses,” to be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.
The motion, which appears to signal a rift between Kanu and his legal team led by Kanu Agabi (SAN), also requests a 90-day window to present his full defence. He pledged to testify personally to counter the allegations against him, describing his actions as politically motivated rather than criminal.
Kanu assured the court that his defence would proceed without unnecessary delays, insisting that justice must “not only be done but be manifestly seen to have been done.”
Meanwhile, his special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others were on Tuesday remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre by a magistrate’s court in Abuja after being charged for leading protests demanding Kanu’s freedom.
The police accused them of criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, and disobedience of lawful orders, contrary to Sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code.
The 13 defendants, including Kanu’s brother Emmanuel and others identified as Joshua Emmanuel, Clinton Chimeneze, and Godwill Obioma, are expected to be arraigned on October 24, the same day Kanu’s defence is set to begin.
