Governors, ministers, and former military chiefs are among the prominent individuals listed by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, as witnesses in his terrorism trial.
Kanu, whose no-case submission was recently struck out by Justice James Omotosho, is set to begin presenting his defence.
Among the 23 witnesses named by Kanu are Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, Minister of Works David Umahi, former Army Chiefs Gen. Theophilus Danjuma and Gen. Tukur Buratai.
Also included are Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) Oluwatosin Ajayi, his predecessor Yusuf Bichi, and former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.
In a document signed personally by Kanu, he asked the court to extend the six days initially granted for his defence to 90 days.
At the previous sitting, Justice Omotosho had permitted him to hold a private meeting with his legal team on October 22 in the courtroom of the Federal High Court in Abuja, in preparation for the start of his defence scheduled for today.
In the document, Kanu divided his witnesses into two groups: “ordinary, but material defence witnesses (voluntary)” and “material and vital witnesses (to be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act 2011).”
He also expressed his intention to testify personally.
Kanu said he plans to call Wike “to testify on the Obigbo Massacre, following the EndSARS protests and the role of security forces under his authority.”
He stated that Uzodinma is “to testify on public statements, following Ahmed Gulak’s death and subsequent clarification exonerating IPOB.”
Kanu said Gen. Danjuma would “testify on his 2018 public warning, urging self-defence against infiltrated armed forces, contextualising the defendant’s advocacy for self-defence.”
He added that Buratai would “testify on the 2017 invasion of the defendant’s residence and the chain of command authorising the military operation.”
According to him, Sanwo-Olu will “testify on the findings of the Lagos State EndSARS Judicial Panel, particularly the Lekki Toll-Gate massacre, evidencing a state pattern of repression.”
Kanu said Umahi would “testify regarding the proscription of IPOB without judicial order and its consequences”, while Ikpeazu would “testify on his knowledge and administrative participation in the 2017 military invasion within Abia State”.
He added that Malami would “testify on directives and authorisations connected with the defendant’s extraordinary rendition from Kenya in June 2021.”
Ajayi, he said, will “clarify on his pubic lectures and statements on terrorists and invaders, relevant to interpreting the defendant’s own broadcasts.”
Kanu noted that Bichi will “testify on knowledge and authorisation of rendition operations, custody conditions, and compliance with legal procedures.”
He said Abubakar is expected “to testify on the operational and diplomatic coordination of the rendition.”
Kanu mentioned that a DSS official, whose identity was not revealed, will “be cross-examined regarding direct involvement in the defendant’s abduction and illegal transfer, fabrication of witness statements, and custodial abuses.”
Among those listed as ordinary witnesses is Chief Emeka Umeagbalasi, identified as an “expert in political history and self-determination”.
According to the document, Umeagbalasi “will testify on the historical and legal context of self-determination movements (such as IPOB) and their treatment under Nigerian and international law, including extrajudicial killings of the defendant’s associates.”
Mazi Benjamin Madubugwu, described as an “associate of the defendant and former co-accused”, will “testify to the internal structure and objectives of IPOB, refuting claims that it is a terrorist organisation.”
Chief Dan Ulasi, a community leader from Umuahia, Abia State, will “testify on the perception of the defendant’s broadcasts as political commentary rather than incitement.”
Bruce Fein, identified as an international human rights and constitutional lawyer based in Washington, D.C., United States, will “testify on the illegality of the defendant’s extraordinary rendition and its implications for jurisdiction and fair trial.”
Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji, identified as Kanu’s “treating physician,” will “testify on the defendant’s medical condition, effects of detention, and fitness to stand trial.”
Barry Sutton, a “digital-security expert at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts MA, USA,” will “examine the integrity of the electronic evidence, including chain of custody, authenticity, and tampering issues.”
Chief Godwin I. Chionye, described as a “senior lawyer and community elder” from Isiama Afaraukwu Ibeku, Umuahia, Abia State, will “testify on the defendant’s good character and standing in his community.”
Prince Emmanuel Kanu of No. 1 Eze Okwu-Kanu Close, Umuahia, Abia State, identified as an “eyewitness to the 2017 military invasion of the defendant’s residence,” will “testify to the events, casualties, and use of excessive force by the army.”
Kanu stated that during his testimony, he will “provide a sworn account of the facts, denying the allegations, and explaining the political context of his statements and actions.”
Part of the document reads: “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.
“Take notice that pursuant to the order of this honourable court made on the 16th day of October 2025, directing the defendant to commence his defence on the 24th day of October 2025, the defendant shall call a total of twenty three (23) witnesses, divided into two categories, viz:
Category A – ordinary, but material defence witnesses (voluntary).
Category B – vital and compellable witnesses (to be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011).
“Given the materiality of the prospective evidence of the witnesses slated for the defence of the defendant, the time frame within which the defendant is ordered to present and conduct defence of the charges appears grossly inadequate, hence your lordship is urged to vary the timeframe and accommodate at least a period of 90 days for the defence.
“The Registrar of the court be ordered to issue subpoenas or witness summons on Category B witnesses or be permitted.
“The defendant respectfully prays this honourable court to issue all necessary summonses and witness warrants under Sections 241-242 of the Evidence Act, 2011 and under the inherent jurisdiction.
“The defendant undertakes to provide the sworn statements of all voluntary witnesses to this honourable court and to notify the prosecution within a reasonable time.
“The honourable court to note that the appearance of these witnesses is essential to ensuring a fair and complete determination of the issues before the court and the honourable court and the entirety of Nigeria will enjoy the robust evidence that would surface.
“No precious time of the honourable court would be delayed and it would interest the honourable court and the general public that justice is not only done but manifestly seen to have been done.”
Kanu later held a private session with his legal team led by former Attorney General of the Federation Kanu Agabi (SAN), which included senior lawyers such as Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) and Paul Erokoro (SAN).
The meeting took place in Court 7, on the second floor of the Federal High Court headquarters in Abuja, the same venue where his terrorism trial is ongoing.
According to the schedule of proceedings issued by Justice James Omotosho on September 16, the meeting was part of the defence team’s preparation for the commencement of Kanu’s case today.
