Nnamdi Kanu defence witnesses list
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has formally notified the Federal High Court in Abuja of his readiness to open his defence in his terrorism trial. He filed a motion on 21 October 2025 in which he listed a total of 23 planned witnesses, divided into two categories. The first are “ordinary but material witnesses” and the second are “vital and compellable witnesses” whom he seeks to subpoena under Section 232 of the Evidence Act 2011.
Among those Mr Kanu has listed as compellable witnesses are senior or former government officials including Nyesom Wike (Minister of the FCT), Dave Umahi (Minister of Works), Tukur Buratai (retired Chief of Army Staff), Theophilus Danjuma (retired Minister of Defence), Abubakar Malami (former Attorney-General of the Federation), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar (former DG of the National Intelligence Agency), and Yusuf Magaji Bichi (former DG of the State Security Service).
Mr Kanu also requested the court to grant a 90-day period to conclude his defence in view of the number and status of the witnesses he intends to call. He assured the court that he would testify on his own behalf, provide a sworn account denying the charges, and explain the political context of his actions and statements.
The motion was filed after the court had ruled on 16 October 2025 that he should open his defence by 24 October. In the motion, Kanu indicated his readiness to comply with that order while seeking the additional time.
This latest development in Kanu’s trial comes amid heightened attention, including protests in Abuja calling for his release and questions about the jurisdiction and fairness of the trial. His defence strategy now appears to hinge on these high-profile witnesses and the political narrative around his charged activities.
