Nnamdi Kanu Names Wike, Buratai, Uzodinma Among Key Witnesses As He Prepares To Open Defence

The detained leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has informed the Federal High Court that he is ready to commence his defence in his ongoing trial for alleged treasonable felony.

Kanu filed a fresh motion confirming his preparedness to begin his defence as directed by the court. This comes shortly after activist Omoyele Sowore led protests in Abuja demanding Kanu’s release.

In the motion dated October 21, Kanu stated that his decision aligns with the court’s October 16, 2025, order directing him to open his defence on October 24, 2025. The filing follows his earlier preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction, submitted on the same day court-appointed medical experts declared him fit to stand trial.

“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, I am ready to do so,” Kanu wrote, personally signing the motion.

Plans to Call 23 Witnesses
Kanu disclosed plans to call 23 witnesses in two categories: ordinary material witnesses and vital, compellable witnesses. Among the high-profile individuals he intends to summon are:

• Retired Defence Minister, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma

• Retired Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai

• Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu

• Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma

• Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike

• Minister of Works, Dave Umahi

• Former Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu

The list also includes former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami (SAN), ex-DG of the National Intelligence Agency Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, and current DSS DG Yusuf Magaji Bichi, alongside other unnamed witnesses. Kanu noted that compellable witnesses would be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.

Kanu Requests 90 Days for Defence
Kanu has requested a 90-day timeframe to conclude his defence, citing the large number of witnesses and the scope of evidence. He also intends to testify personally to “deny the allegations and explain the political context of his statements and actions.”

“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 stated. He further assured the court that voluntary witnesses would submit sworn statements and that his defence team would ensure no judicial time is wasted.

Related Developments
On the same day, a Magistrate Court in Abuja ordered the remand of 13 individuals, including Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, who had joined protests demanding his release. The group, which included Kanu’s brother Emmanuel and 11 others, faces charges of criminal conspiracy, disobedience to lawful orders, inciting disturbance, and public nuisance. They were remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre pending arraignment on October 24.

Tuesday’s proceedings mark a new phase in Kanu’s lengthy trial, which has been accompanied by political tension, legal battles, and public protests. With his defence set to begin on October 24, the case is expected to attract significant attention from both domestic and international observers monitoring Nigeria’s judicial process and human rights landscape.