Kanu Opens Defence, Names Umahi, Wike, Buratai And Other High-Profile Witnesses, Holds Private Legal Consultation Ahead Of Trial Resumption

The ongoing terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has entered a critical phase at the Federal High Court in Abuja, as the court approved a private consultation between the defendant and his legal team in preparation for opening his defence.

Justice James Omotosho presided over the proceedings, granting Kanu six consecutive days, starting October 23, to present and conclude his defence in the accelerated hearing. Kanu had requested the private session to ensure confidential discussions outside the Department of State Services (DSS), citing concerns that consultations could be recorded. Court 7 was vacated for this purpose, allowing Kanu and his legal team, led by former Attorney General of the Federation Kanu Agabi SAN, to meet in private on October 22.

On October 21, Kanu filed a motion notifying the court of his intention to begin his defence on October 24, 2025, in accordance with the court’s prior directive. In the motion, he revealed plans to call 23 witnesses, divided into “ordinary but material witnesses” and a second group deemed “vital and compellable” under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.

High-profile witnesses in the latter category include former Defence Minister Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), former Army Chief Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) and Hope Uzodinma (Imo), FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Works Minister Dave Umahi, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami (SAN), former NIA DG Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, and SSS Director-General Yusuf Magaji Bichi.

The motion, personally signed by Kanu, also requested a 90-day window to fully present his defence. Kanu pledged to testify personally, providing a sworn account to counter the allegations while emphasizing the political context of his actions. He assured the court that the trial would proceed without undue delay, stressing that justice would not only be done but also “manifestly seen to have been done.”

Meanwhile, in a related development, Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others were remanded by a magistrate court in Abuja following street protests led by Omoyele Sowore, 2023 AAC presidential candidate, demanding Kanu’s release. The group, which includes Kanu’s brother Emmanuel, faces charges of criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, and disobedience of lawful orders under Sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code. The magistrate ordered their remand to Kuje Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until October 24 for arraignment.

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