Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has named several top Nigerian political and security figures — including former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami; former Defence Minister, Gen. T.Y. Danjuma (rtd); and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu — as witnesses in his ongoing terrorism trial.
In a fresh motion filed on October 21 and marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, Kanu informed Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, of his intention to call 23 witnesses in his defence.
The IPOB leader said the move complies with the court’s directive of October 16, which ordered him to open his defence on October 24.
The witnesses are divided into two categories — voluntary material witnesses and vital compellable witnesses to be subpoenaed under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.
Among the voluntary witnesses are political historian Emeka Umeagbalasi, who will testify on the legal grounds of self-determination and alleged state violence against IPOB members; a forensic linguist to analyse Kanu’s broadcasts for alleged incitement; and Benjamin Madubugwu, a former co-accused who will speak on IPOB’s non-violent structure.
Others include U.S.-based lawyer Bruce Fein, who will testify on the legality of Kanu’s 2021 rendition from Kenya; Prof. Martin Aghaji, Kanu’s physician, on the impact of his detention; and Barry Sutton of MIT, who will assess the authenticity of prosecution’s digital evidence.
Kanu’s brother, Emmanuel Kanu, is also listed to testify on the 2017 military raid on their Abia home, while Kanu himself will take the stand to defend his statements as political commentary rather than incitement.
In the second category, Kanu seeks subpoenas for Malami; former NIA Director-General, Ahmed Abubakar; former DSS Director-General, Yusuf Bichi; and an unnamed DSS officer allegedly involved in his rendition.
Also listed are former Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd); Minister of Works and ex-Ebonyi governor, Dave Umahi; former Abia governor, Okezie Ikpeazu; Imo governor, Hope Uzodimma; FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike; and Lagos governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is expected to testify on the findings of the Lagos #EndSARS Judicial Panel.
Kanu also seeks testimony from Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), who in 2018 warned Nigerians to defend themselves against state-backed attacks.
According to the motion, the testimonies are “vital to ensuring a fair trial” and to demonstrate that “justice is manifestly done and seen to be done.”
Kanu is also asking the court for a 90-day extension of time to enable the appearance of the witnesses.
Meanwhile, the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, has condemned reported attacks on journalists covering the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja on Monday. Similarly, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Ogun State chapter, criticised the detention of Kanu’s brother, his lawyer Aloy Ejimakor, and 10 others at Kuje prison.
