Nnamdi Kanu Names Malami, Wike, Buratai As Key Trial Witnesses In Major Legal Move
IPOB Leader Seeks 90-Day Window To Call 23 Witnesses, Including Top Nigerian Officials, In Terrorism Trial
(DDM) — The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has formally listed a number of high-profile Nigerians as witnesses in his ongoing terrorism trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja, signalling a strategic and potentially landmark defence.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Kanu personally signed a motion filed before Justice James Omotosho, describing the individuals as “compellable witnesses” whose testimonies are critical for presenting the full context of his defence and exposing irregularities in the prosecution’s case.
The motion, titled “Notice of Number and Names of Witnesses to be Called by the Defendant and Request for Witness Summons/Subpoena and the Variation of the Time Within Which to Defend the Counts/Charges against the Defendant,” formally requests a 90-day extension to conclude his defence due to the large number and high-ranking nature of the witnesses.
Among those named are former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, former Defence Minister Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), former Chief of Army Staff Gen.
Tukur Buratai (rtd), Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Others listed include Minister of Works Dave Umahi, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, and former Director-General of the Department of State Services Yusuf Bichi. Kanu has also hinted at summoning several additional unnamed witnesses.
Kanu’s legal team indicated that the witnesses will be divided into two categories: the first, “ordinary but material witnesses,” and the second, “vital and compellable witnesses,” to be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.
The defence stressed that the testimonies are necessary to clarify the political and legal circumstances surrounding his arrest, detention, and the charges against him.
The IPOB leader further confirmed that he will personally testify, providing a sworn account to counter the prosecution’s claims while explaining the broader political and human rights context.
He also pledged to provide sworn statements from all voluntary witnesses and assured the court that no time of the honourable bench would be wasted in completing the proceedings.
This filing comes after a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction and follows a medical report by experts confirming that Kanu is fit to stand trial. Legal analysts say the inclusion of such high-profile figures could reshape the narrative of the trial, potentially bringing political and historical context into the courtroom.
In a related development, a magistrate court in Abuja remanded Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others, arrested during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore.
The 13 individuals face charges including criminal conspiracy, disobedience of lawful orders, inciting disturbance, and disturbance of public peace, under Sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code Law. They remain at Kuje Correctional Centre pending arraignment on October 24, 2025.
Observers say the combination of Kanu’s extended defence, high-profile witnesses, and ongoing political protests highlights the tense intersection of law, activism, and governance in Nigeria, raising national and international attention on judicial independence and the rule of law.
The case continues to draw scrutiny from human rights groups, civil society, and international observers, with many calling for strict adherence to constitutional provisions and the protection of political activists’ rights amid rising tensions in the Southeast and beyond.
