Terrorism Trial: Nnamdi Kanu Lists Wike, Sanwo-Olu, Buratai, and 20 Others as Witnesses in Explosive Defence Strategy
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB, names top Nigerian figures including Nyesom Wike, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Tukur Buratai among 23 witnesses in his terrorism trial. His family dismisses NMA’s medical report as fake and demands his unconditional release.
Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is set to open his defence in his long-running terrorism trial — and his witness list is causing ripples across Nigeria’s political and military circles.
In a fresh motion filed on October 20, 2025, and marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, Kanu revealed plans to call 23 witnesses, including prominent political leaders and retired military chiefs.
Among the names listed are Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.).
According to the notice filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, the witnesses are divided into two categories — “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses.”
Others under the “vital and compellable” category include former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd.); Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma; Minister of Works, David Umahi; former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu; and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN).
Also mentioned are former DSS Director-General, Yusuf Bichi, and former National Intelligence Agency (NIA) DG, Ahmed Abubakar, among others.
Kanu’s legal team is relying on Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011, which empowers the court to compel witnesses to appear when deemed necessary for justice.
He further requested a 90-day window to complete his defence, pledging to personally testify and present sworn statements from voluntary witnesses.
“I will testify on my own behalf, providing a sworn account of the facts, denying the allegations, and explaining the political context of my statements and actions,” Kanu told the court.
“It will interest the honourable court and the general public that justice is not only done but seen to be done.”
This development follows the court’s recent ruling by Justice James Omotosho, who held that a prima facie case had been established against Kanu after dismissing his “no-case submission.”
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Medical Controversy and Family’s Reaction
Meanwhile, a request by Kanu’s lawyers to transfer him to the National Hospital for medical treatment was opposed by the prosecution, which insisted that the DSS medical facility was adequate.
Justice Omotosho subsequently ordered the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to assess Kanu’s condition. The NMA’s report claimed that Kanu was fit to stand trial — but his family has fiercely rejected the findings.
Speaking from Abia State, Kanunta Kanu, his brother, dismissed the NMA’s report as “fabricated” and “concocted,” alleging that no such medical team ever examined the IPOB leader.
“NMA did not go to examine Nnamdi Kanu as directed by the judge. Any medical report presented is fake. They should explain how that concocted report was arrived at,” he said.
Kanunta further accused the Federal Government of orchestrating his brother’s persecution, warning that continued injustice against the Igbo people could push Nigeria toward a breaking point.
“It is disturbing that Nigeria’s President, the Inspector General of Police, and the judiciary are supervising the persecution of Nnamdi Kanu and Ndigbo in general. This is shameful,” he stated.
#FreeNnamdiKanu Protest and Arrests
The filing came barely a day after human rights activist Omoyele Sowore led a #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja — a demonstration that ended with the arrest of Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, his brother Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and ten others.
The 12 protesters were charged with criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, and public disorder, under Sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code, and were remanded pending arraignment on October 24.
The Kanu family condemned their detention, calling it “unlawful and vindictive,” while defending Sowore’s involvement in the protest.
“Those accusing Sowore are wrong. He only exercised his democratic right to protest against injustice,” Kanunta said.
“Some Igbo politicians are ashamed that a non-Igbo like Sowore did what they lacked the courage to do.”
The family reiterated its demand for the immediate release of all detained protesters and called for Kanu’s unconditional freedom, in compliance with multiple court orders that have granted his release in the past.
