The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has submitted a list of 23 witnesses he iintends to call in his ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The list includes some of Nigeria’s most prominent figures, such as former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.

Who’s on the Witness List?

• Government Officials:
  • Abubakar Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation
  • Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory
  • Dave Umahi, Minister of Works
  • Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State
  • Hope Uzodinma, Governor of Imo State
• Military Personnel:
  • Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), former Minister of Defence
  • Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), former Chief of Army Staff
• Intelligence Chiefs:
  • Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA)
  • Yusuf Bichi, former Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS)

Kanu’s lawyer has informed the court that his client will testify on his own behalf, providing a sworn account of the facts and denying the allegations. The defence team plans to call two categories of witnesses: “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable” witnesses, who will be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.

Kanu’s team has requested a 90-day period to conclude his defence, citing the number of witnesses and the complexity of the case. The court had previously ordered Kanu to commence his defence on October 24, 2025.

The case is set to proceed with Kanu’s defence, and the court will likely consider the request for an extension. The outcome of this trial is being closely watched, given the high-profile nature of the witnesses and the IPOB leader’s prominent position in Nigerian politics