Amanze Chinonye
Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has listed 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 motion he personally signed and filed on October 21, 2025, Kanu named 23 witnesses he intends to call in his defence, including serving and former public officials such as 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 Defence Minister Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd).
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Kanu, who is standing trial on terrorism-related charges, said he would also testify personally. He prayed the court to extend the six days earlier granted him to conduct his defence to 90 days, citing the number and importance of witnesses he plans to call. Justice James Omotosho, at the last hearing, granted Kanu’s request for a private meeting with his legal team on Wednesday, October 22, preparatory for the commencement of his defence scheduled to begin today.
In the document filed before the court, Kanu categorised his witnesses into two groups: “ordinary, but material defence witnesses (voluntary)” and “material and vital witnesses (to be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act 2011).” The defendant also indicated his intention to testify in person.
According to the filing, Kanu plans to call Wike “to testify on the Obigbo Massacre, following the EndSARS protests and the role of security forces under his authority.” He said Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma is “to testify on public statements following Ahmed Gulak’s death and subsequent clarification exonerating IPOB.”
Kanu said he would invite Gen. Danjuma “to testify on his 2018 public warning, urging self-defence against infiltrated armed forces, contextualising the defendant’s advocacy for self-defence.” He added that Buratai would “testify on the 2017 invasion of the defendant’s residence and the chain of command authorising the military operation.”
The IPOB leader said Sanwo-Olu would “testify on the findings of the Lagos State EndSARS Judicial Panel, particularly the Lekki Toll Gate massacre, evidencing a state pattern of repression.” Umahi is scheduled “to testify regarding the proscription of IPOB without judicial order and its consequences,” while former Abia governor Okezie Ikpeazu will “testify on his knowledge and administrative participation in the 2017 military invasion within Abia State.”
Kanu wants Malami “to testify on directives and authorisations connected with the defendant’s extraordinary rendition from Kenya in June 2021.” He also intends to call Professor Abiola Ajayi “to clarify his public lectures and statements on terrorists and invaders, relevant to interpreting the defendant’s own broadcasts.”
According to the document, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, is to “testify on knowledge and authorisation of rendition operations, custody conditions, and compliance with legal procedures,” while former National Intelligence Agency (NIA) director Ahmed Rufai Abubakar is expected “to testify on the operational and diplomatic coordination of the rendition.”
Kanu added that a DSS official, whose name he did not disclose, would be called “to be cross-examined regarding direct involvement in the defendant’s abduction and illegal transfer, fabrication of witness statements, and custodial abuses.”
Those he listed as ordinary witnesses include Chief Emeka Umeagbalasi, described as an “expert in political history and self-determination,” who “will testify on the historical and legal context of self-determination movements (such as IPOB) and their treatment under Nigerian and international law, including extra-judicial killings of the defendant’s associates.”
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Mazi Benjamin Madubugwu, described as an “associate of the defendant and former co-accused,” is expected to “testify to the internal structure and objectives of IPOB, refuting claims that it is a terrorist organisation.” Chief Dan Ulasi, a community leader in Umuahia, Abia State, is to “testify on the perception of the defendant’s broadcasts as political commentary rather than incitement.”
Bruce Fein, an international human rights and constitutional lawyer based in Washington, D.C., United States, would “testify on the illegality of the defendant’s extraordinary rendition and its implications for jurisdiction and fair trial.”
Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji, Kanu’s treating physician, is to “testify on the defendant’s medical condition, effects of detention, and fitness to stand trial.” Barry Sutton, a “digital-security expert at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Massachusetts, USA,” would “examine the integrity of the electronic evidence, including chain of custody, authenticity, and tampering issues.”
Chief Godwin I. Chionye, described as a “senior lawyer and community elder” from Isiama Afaraukwu Ibeku, Umuahia, Abia State, is to “testify on the defendant’s good character and standing in his community.” Prince Emmanuel Kanu, an “eyewitness to the 2017 military invasion of the defendant’s residence,” is expected to “testify to the events, casualties, and use of excessive force by the army.”
Kanu said he would, in his testimony, provide “a sworn account of the facts, denying the allegations and explaining the political context of his statements and actions.”
Part of the document reads:
“Notice of number and names of witnesses to be called by the defendant and request for witness summons/subpoena and the variation of the time within which to defend the counts/charges against the defendant.
Take notice that pursuant to the order of this honourable court made on the 16th day of October 2025, directing the defendant to commence his defence on the 24th day of October 2025, the defendant shall call a total of twenty-three (23) witnesses, divided into two categories:
Category A – ordinary, but material defence witnesses (voluntary).
Category B – vital and compellable witnesses (to be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011).
“Given the materiality of the prospective evidence of the witnesses slated for the defence of the defendant, the time frame within which the defendant is ordered to present and conduct defence of the charges appears grossly inadequate. Hence, your lordship is urged to vary the timeframe and accommodate at least a period of 90 days for the defence.
“The Registrar of the court be ordered to issue subpoenas or witness summons on Category B witnesses or be permitted.
“The defendant respectfully prays this honourable court to issue all necessary summonses and witness warrants under Sections 241–242 of the Evidence Act, 2011, and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court.
“The defendant undertakes to provide the sworn statements of all voluntary witnesses to this honourable court and to notify the prosecution within a reasonable time.”
Kanu stated that the appearance of these witnesses is essential “to ensuring a fair and complete determination of the issues before the court,” adding that their testimonies would “ensure justice is not only done but manifestly seen to have been done.”
Meanwhile, Kanu yesterday held a private meeting with his legal team led by former Attorney-General of the Federation Kanu Agabi (SAN), and comprising senior lawyers Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) and Paul Erokoro (SAN), among others. The meeting took place in Court 7 of the Federal High Court headquarters in Abuja, where proceedings in his terrorism trial are being conducted.
Consistent with the schedule of proceedings issued by Justice James Omotosho on September 16, the meeting formed part of the defence team’s preparation for the commencement of Kanu’s defence today.
While the witness list and motion are confirmed, it is not yet verified whether all the listed individuals have been served with subpoenas or have agreed to testify. The court’s decision on the extension and the scheduling of witnesses is pending.
Justice Omotosho is expected to consider Kanu’s application for a 90-day defence period when the trial resumes, which could become one of the most closely watched judicial proceedings in Nigeria’s recent history, given the profile of the witnesses and the political sensitivity of the case.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
