In a dramatic turn in Nigeria’s most politically sensitive terrorism trial, detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has listed key political figures — including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma — among 23 witnesses he intends to call in his defence before the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Other high-profile names in the motion include former Minister of Defence, General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), and ex-Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN). Also listed are Minister of Works Dave Umahi, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, and the immediate past Director-General of the Department of State Services Yusuf Bichi.
According to court filings obtained by DefenceTimesNG.africa, Kanu described these individuals as “vital and compellable witnesses” under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011, pledging to provide sworn statements “within a reasonable time.”
The motion, personally signed by Kanu and marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, was filed on October 21, 2025, in compliance with the court’s earlier directive ordering him to commence his defence on October 24, 2025. He also requested a 90-day timeframe to conclude his defence, citing the complexity and sensitivity of the testimonies expected.
Kanu stated his intent to testify personally, saying he would “deny all allegations and explain the political context of his statements and actions.” He assured that “no precious time of the honourable court would be delayed” and expressed confidence that “justice is not only done but manifestly seen to have been done.”
Legal and Political Implications
Legal experts view Kanu’s witness list as an unprecedented move that blurs the line between national security, political loyalty and judicial accountability.
By naming serving and former governors — including allies and political rivals of the current administration — Kanu’s defence appears designed to expose the institutional and political undercurrents surrounding IPOB’s proscription and the counterinsurgency actions that followed.
If accepted, the court could find itself navigating classified testimony from former intelligence chiefs and serving ministers — a scenario that raises both constitutional and operational questions about state secrecy, executive privilege, and national security protocols.
Strategic Outlook — DefenceTimesNG Analysis
1. National Security Exposure Risk
Forcing testimony from serving and former security chiefs could inadvertently expose classified intelligence methods, operational mandates, or inter-agency communication records. The Defence Headquarters and DSS may push for in-camera sessions or restricted testimony to mitigate security breaches.
2. Political Fallout
Having Wike, Sanwo-Olu, and Uzodimma appear in court — even under subpoena — would carry enormous political weight. Analysts suggest it could deepen Nigeria’s South-East political tensions, especially if testimony contradicts federal security narratives or portrays bias in IPOB’s treatment.
3. Judiciary Under Pressure
Justice James Omotosho faces a complex balancing act — upholding fair trial rights while preventing the courtroom from becoming a stage for political theatre.
Expect frequent adjournments, media restrictions, and possible security lockdowns around the Federal High Court premises.
4. Operational Security Measures
Security agencies are expected to heighten surveillance in Abuja, Enugu, Owerri, and Lagos as the October 24 defence opening approaches.
Crowd control, intelligence-sharing, and online monitoring of pro-Biafra mobilisation are being prioritised to preempt unrest.
Meanwhile
A separate Abuja magistrate’s court has ordered the remand of Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s special counsel, and 12 others arrested during Monday’s protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore. They were charged with criminal conspiracy, incitement and disturbance of public peace under the Penal Code and remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre pending arraignment on October 24.
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