Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has expressed readiness to open his defence in the treason and terrorism case brought against him by the Federal Government, listing 23 witnesses, including prominent political and military figures.
In a fresh application filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja and personally signed by him, Kanu announced his intention to proceed with his defence, signalling what appears to be a new legal direction in the long-running trial. The document suggests that Kanu may have disengaged his legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kanu Agabi, choosing instead to take personal charge of his case.
According to the filing, Kanu plans to call two categories of witnesses — “ordinary but material” and “vital and compellable” — the latter to be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.
Among those listed as “vital and compellable” witnesses are former Minister of Defence, Theophilus Danjuma; former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma; and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Others include former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu; Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami; former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai; former DSS DG, Yusuf Bichi; and the current DSS DG, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi.
Kanu also asked the court for 90 days to conclude his defence, citing the volume of witnesses and the sensitive nature of the evidence he intends to present. The presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, had earlier fixed Wednesday for Kanu to meet with his lawyers within the court premises following his complaints of alleged interference by Department of State Services (DSS) officials.
The new filing marks a major turning point in the case, reflecting Kanu’s determination to directly challenge the prosecution’s arguments. The Federal Government continues to accuse the IPOB leader of inciting violence and calling for the secession of Nigeria’s South-East region.
First arrested in 2015, Kanu fled the country after being granted bail in 2017 but was rearrested in 2021. He has remained in DSS custody since then as the case continues to attract both national and international attention.
Melissa Enoch
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