Kanu Lists 23 Witnesses, Including Danjuma, Buratai, Sanwo-Olu, Uzodinma, in Defence Plan

Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja of his intention to call 23 witnesses in his defence as his trial resumes.

Kanu disclosed this in a fresh motion he personally filed on Tuesday, October 21, before Justice James Omotosho, stating that he was ready to begin his defence in line with the court’s directive issued on October 16, 2025, ordering him to open his case on October 24, 2025.

The IPOB leader said the witnesses would be divided into two groups — “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses.”

Among the latter are several prominent figures, including former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), and the governors of Lagos and Imo States, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Hope Uzodinma.

Others listed include FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Minister of Works Dave Umahi, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, former Attorney General Abubakar Malami (SAN), former NIA Director-General Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, and SSS Director-General Yusuf Magaji Bichi, among others.

Kanu, who personally signed the notice — suggesting he may have disengaged his legal team led by Kanu Agabi (SAN) — requested a 90-day timeframe to conclude his defence.

He stated his readiness to testify on his own behalf, offering a sworn account to deny the allegations against him and explain the political context of his statements and actions.

Kanu also pledged to submit sworn statements from voluntary witnesses and ensure no delay in court proceedings, emphasizing that justice must “not only be done but be seen to be done.”

Sowore Leads Protest; Kanu’s Lawyer, Others Remanded

This development comes hours after Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, led protests across parts of Abuja demanding Kanu’s release.

Meanwhile, a Magistrate Court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered the remand of Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s special counsel, and 12 others arrested during the protest.

The police charged the 13 defendants with offences including criminal conspiracy, disobedience of lawful order, inciting disturbance, and disturbance of public peace, contrary to sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code Law.

They were subsequently remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre, and the case was adjourned until October 24 for arraignment.