Nnamdi Kanu Lists Malami,Wike, Umahi, Sanwo-Olu,Danjuma,Buratai As Defence Witnesses

The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has named several prominent Nigerians, including former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), as witnesses in his ongoing terrorism trial before the Federal High Court, Abuja.

In a fresh motion personally signed by him and filed on October 21, 2025, before Justice James Omotosho, Kanu informed the court of his readiness to open his defence in compliance with the court’s earlier directive.

The IPOB leader disclosed that he intends to call 23 witnesses in total, categorised into ordinary but material witnesses and vital and compellable witnesses. Among the high-profile individuals listed are the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Minister of Works, David Umahi; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd); and former Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd).

Kanu, through his motion, urged the court to grant him a 90-day timeframe to enable him to conclude his defence, citing the large number of witnesses and the complexity of the issues involved. He assured the court of his commitment to comply fully with all procedural requirements and to ensure that the trial proceeds without unnecessary delay.

The court had earlier ordered Kanu to open his defence following the closure of the prosecution’s case by the Federal Government. The prosecution, led by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, had presented several witnesses and tendered documentary evidence in support of its terrorism-related allegations against the IPOB leader.

Kanu has consistently maintained his innocence, insisting that his agitation for the independence of Biafra was peaceful and rooted in the right to self-determination guaranteed by international law.

Justice Omotosho is expected to rule on Kanu’s application for an extended timeframe in the coming days, after which the court will determine the schedule for the commencement of his defence.