Terrorism Trial: Kanu Lists Wike, Sanwo-Olu, Buratai Among 23 Witnesses

Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a fresh motion to open his defence in his long-running terrorism trial, naming several prominent political figures and former military chiefs among his proposed witnesses.

In the motion marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, dated October 20, Kanu listed FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.) among the 23 witnesses he intends to call.

According to the defence notice personally signed by Kanu, the witnesses are divided into two groups — “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses.”

Others on the list include Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd.), Minister of Works David Umahi, former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami (SAN), and former heads of the DSS and NIA, Yusuf Bichi and Ahmed Abubakar.

Kanu stated that he would rely on Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011 to compel the appearance of those classified as “vital and compellable” witnesses. He also requested a 90-day window to conclude his defence, pledging to testify personally and submit sworn statements from voluntary witnesses.

“I will 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,” Kanu said.
“It will interest the court and the general public that justice is not only done but seen to be done.”

The new filing follows Justice James Omotosho’s ruling that a prima facie case had been established against Kanu, dismissing the defence’s earlier no-case submission.

Meanwhile, a recent #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja, led by activist Omoyele Sowore, resulted in the arrest of Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, his brother Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and 10 others. The 12 were charged with conspiracy, disobedience of a lawful order, and public disturbance, and were remanded pending arraignment on October 24.

Kanu’s legal team also sought to have him transferred to the National Hospital for medical treatment, but the prosecution argued that the DSS facility was adequate. Following the court’s directive, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) examined Kanu and declared him fit to stand trial.

However, Kanu’s family in Abia State rejected the NMA report, describing it as “fabricated.” His brother, Kanunta Kanu, alleged that no medical delegation had actually examined him at the DSS facility.

“NMA did not go to examine Nnamdi Kanu as demanded by the presiding judge. Rather, they went on the instruction of the prosecutor. Any medical report presented is fake,” Kanunta said.

He accused the Federal Government of persecuting Kanu and warned that the continued injustice could push the country toward deeper division.

The family also defended Omoyele Sowore, stating that he had no role in the arrest of Emmanuel Kanu and others, and was merely exercising his right to peaceful protest.

They reiterated their demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained protesters, as well as compliance with previous court orders granting Kanu’s freedom.

Justice Omotosho has scheduled October 23 for Kanu to formally open his defence.