Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has named former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, as one of 23 witnesses he intends to call in his ongoing trial for alleged terrorism.
Kanu disclosed in a motion filed before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, expressing his readiness to begin his defence as directed by the court.
The motion, dated October 20 and filed on October 21, is titled: “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.”
Referencing a court order from October 16, 2025, Kanu affirmed his preparedness to open his defence on October 24. He requested a 90-day window to present his case, citing the number and nature of witnesses involved.
According to the motion marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, Kanu’s witness list is divided into two groups: “material witnesses” and “compellable witnesses.” While he plans to provide sworn statements from voluntary witnesses, he asked the court to issue subpoenas for others under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.
High-profile figures listed as compellable witnesses include Abubakar Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation; Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory; Theophilus Danjuma, former Minister of Defence; Tukur Buratai, former Chief of Army Staff; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State; Hope Uzodinma, Governor of Imo State; Dave Umahi, Minister of Works; Okezie Ikpeazu, former Governor of Abia State; Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency; Yusuf Bichi, former Director-General of the State Security Service.
Kanu indicated that additional witnesses would be revealed at a later stage. He also confirmed he would testify in his own defence, providing a sworn explanation of his actions and statements within their political context.
Kanu’s application comes on the heels of a preliminary objection he filed, contesting the court’s jurisdiction to continue the trial. On the same day, a medical panel appointed by the court declared him fit to stand trial, removing a potential legal barrier to the proceedings.
He assured the court that the defence would proceed diligently and without unnecessary delays, emphasising the need for justice to be “seen to be done.”
In a related event, a Magistrate Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others following a protest demanding Kanu’s release.
The demonstration, led by activist Omoyele Sowore, resulted in multiple arrests. The group has been charged with criminal conspiracy, incitement, disobedience to lawful order, and public nuisance, according to two separate First Information Reports (FIRs) filed by the police.
Others charged include Kanu’s brother Emmanuel Kanu, along with Joshua Emmanuel, Wilson Anyalewechi, Okere Nnamdi, Clinton Chimeneze, Gabriel Joshua, Isiaka Husseini, Onyekachi Ferdinand, Amadi Prince, Edison Ojisom, Godwill Obioma, and Chima Onuchukwu.
The court ordered their remand at Kuje Correctional Centre pending their arraignment scheduled for October 24, 2025.
Administrator and Writer
