Detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has taken a surprising turn in his long-running terrorism trial, announcing his readiness to open his defence before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu’s decision came just hours after a protest in Abuja led by former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, which demanded his release but saw a low turnout across the country.
In a motion personally filed on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Kanu informed the court, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, that he was fully prepared to begin his defence in line with the court’s earlier directive of October 16, setting October 24 as the commencement date.
Kanu revealed plans to call 23 witnesses, categorised into “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses,” citing Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011, as the legal basis for summoning them.
In the application, which he signed himself — suggesting a possible rift with his legal team led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN) — the IPOB leader requested a 90-day period to conclude his defence. He also disclosed that he would personally testify to deny the allegations and clarify the political context of his actions and statements.
Among those Kanu listed as potential “compellable witnesses” are several high-profile figures, including former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd); former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd); Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Hope Uzodinma; and current ministers Nyesom Wike (FCT) and Dave Umahi (Works).
Others named include former Abia State governor Okezie Ikpeazu, former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami (SAN), and former National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Director-General Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, among others whose identities were not disclosed.
Kanu pledged to submit sworn statements of all voluntary witnesses and assured the court that his defence would proceed swiftly and transparently.
“The honourable court and the general public will see that justice is not only done but manifestly seen to have been done,” he stated.
Meanwhile, on the same day Kanu filed his motion, a magistrate court in Abuja ordered the remand of his special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others who had participated in the protest calling for his release.