Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja of his readiness to personally defend himself in his ongoing trial, marking a major shift in his legal approach.
This development came just hours after Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), led a protest in parts of Abuja demanding Kanu’s release.
Kanu, who recently filed a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction to continue the trial, on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, filed a fresh motion declaring his intention to open his defence in compliance with the court’s directive issued on October 16, 2015, to commence on October 24, 2025.
In the motion, which he personally signed, Kanu revealed plans 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.
He also hinted at a possible disengagement of his legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kanu Agabi, as he stated that he would personally testify in his defence.
According to Kanu, he intends to “provide a sworn account of the facts, deny the allegations, and explain the political context of his statements and actions.”
Among those he listed as compellable witnesses are former Minister of Defence Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd); former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd); Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma; FCT Minister Nyesom Wike; Minister of Works Dave Umahi; and former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
Others include former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami (SAN); former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; and DSS Director-General Yusuf Magaji Bichi, among others whose identities he chose to withhold.
Kanu further assured the court that all voluntary witnesses would submit sworn statements, promising not to delay proceedings and emphasizing that “justice must not only be done but be seen to be done.”
Meanwhile, on the same day Kanu filed his motion, an Abuja Magistrate Court ordered the remand of his special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others arrested during protests calling for Kanu’s release.
The 13 defendants, including Kanu’s brother, Emmanuel Kanu, were charged with criminal conspiracy, disobedience of lawful order, inciting disturbance, and public peace disruption — offences under sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code Law.
Following a brief hearing, the magistrate ordered their remand at Kuje Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter till October 24 for arraignment.
About The Author
