Nnamdi Kanu Lists Malami, Wike, Umahi, and Others as Witnesses in His Terrorism Case
Story: written by Uzuh Riat October 23,2025
The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has included several high-profile figures, such as former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, as witnesses in his ongoing terrorism trial.
In a new motion filed before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Kanu indicated his readiness to open his defence as directed by the court. The document, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, was signed by Kanu and dated October 20, 2025, before being officially filed on October 21.
Titled “Notice of Number and Names of Witnesses to be Called by the Defendant and Request for Witness Summons/Subpoena,” the motion seeks permission to invite 23 individuals—categorized as “material” and “compellable” witnesses—to testify in his defence.
Kanu also asked the court to issue subpoenas to some witnesses under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011, and to allow him a 90-day period to conclude his defence, citing the number of people involved. He stated that he intends to personally testify and provide sworn evidence denying the terrorism allegations, while clarifying the political motivations behind his actions.
Among the notable names Kanu listed as witnesses are:
- Nyesom Wike, Minister of the FCT
- Theophilus Danjuma, former Minister of Defence
- Tukur Buratai, ex-Chief of Army Staff
- Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State
- Hope Uzodinma, Governor of Imo State
- Dave Umahi, Minister of Works
- Okezie Ikpeazu, former Governor of Abia State
- Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, ex-DG of the National Intelligence Agency
- Yusuf Bichi, DG of the State Security Service
He noted that a few other witnesses will remain undisclosed for now but will be revealed later. Kanu assured the court that his team would avoid unnecessary delays and that justice would be pursued transparently.
This latest move comes after he filed a preliminary objection challenging the Federal High Court’s authority to continue with his case. The same day, a medical board appointed by the court declared him medically fit to face trial.
Meanwhile, in a related development, a magistrate court in Abuja ordered the detention of Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others arrested during a protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore. The group had gathered to demand Kanu’s release and an end to his prosecution.
The police charged them with criminal conspiracy, disobedience to lawful order, inciting public disturbance, and public nuisance—offences punishable under Sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code.
Those charged alongside Ejimakor include Emmanuel Kanu (Kanu’s brother), Joshua Emmanuel, Wilson Anyalewechi, Okere Nnamdi, Clinton Chimeneze, Gabriel Joshua, Isiaka Husseini, Onyekachi Ferdinand, Amadi Prince, Edison Ojisom, Godwill Obioma, and Chima Onuchukwu.
The court directed that the defendants be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre until their formal arraignment on October 24, 2025.
