The long-running trial of detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, took a dramatic turn on Tuesday as the separatist leader announced his readiness to open his defence, naming prominent Nigerian political and military figures among those he intends to call as witnesses.
The development came barely hours after Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 general elections, led a protest in parts of Abuja demanding Kanu’s unconditional release from custody.
Kanu, who has been standing trial on charges bordering on terrorism and incitement, had last Thursday filed a motion of preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to continue his prosecution.
The objection was filed the same day a panel of medical experts appointed by the court submitted a report declaring him fit to stand trial.
In a new motion he personally filed on Tuesday, October 21, the IPOB leader informed the court that he was ready to begin his defence.
“I am prepared to begin my defence pursuant to the order of this honourable court made on the 16th day of October 2015, directing the defendant to commence his defence on the 24th day of October 2025,” Kanu stated.
The motion, which Kanu signed himself—suggesting a possible rift with his legal team led by Kanu Agabi, SAN—also contained a detailed list of 23 witnesses he intends to call, categorized into “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses.”
Kanu asked the court, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, to grant him a 90-day window to conclude his defence, citing the number of witnesses involved.
“I shall testify on my own behalf, providing a sworn account of the facts, denying the allegations, and explaining the political context of my statements and actions,” he added.
Among those listed as “compellable witnesses” are some of Nigeria’s most powerful political figures:
former Minister of Defence Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd); former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd); Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma.
Others include the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; and former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
He also named former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN); former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; and Yusuf Magaji Bichi, the current Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), among others whose identities he withheld for security reasons.
In his notice, Kanu pledged to maintain transparency in the process:
“I shall provide the sworn statements of all voluntary witnesses to this honourable court, and notify the prosecution within a reasonable time,” he assured.
“No precious time of the honourable court would be delayed, and it would interest the honourable court and the general public that justice is not only done but manifestly seen to have been done.”
Kanu’s decision to personally take charge of his defence adds a fresh twist to a case that has already spanned years and stirred deep political controversy across the country.
Meanwhile, the day’s proceedings coincided with another dramatic scene at a Magistrate Court in Abuja, where Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and twelve others were remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre following a protest over Kanu’s continued detention.
The police arraigned the 13 defendants on charges of criminal conspiracy, disobedience to lawful order, inciting disturbance, and public peace offences, contrary to Sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code.
Those remanded alongside Ejimakor include Emmanuel Kanu (Kanu’s brother), Joshua Emmanuel, Wilson Anyalewechi, Okere Kingdom Nnamdi, Clinton Chimeneze, Gabriel Joshua, Isiaka Husseini, Onyekachi Ferdinand, Amadi Prince, Edison Ojisom, Godwill Obioma, and Chima Onuchukwu.
The magistrate, who stood down the case briefly, later ordered that the defendants be remanded in custody pending their arraignment scheduled for October 24.
As the court battles intensify and political names surface in Kanu’s defence strategy, the unfolding legal drama continues to stir national debate—raising questions about the intersection of justice, politics, and the struggle for self-determination in Nigeria.
