Abuja, Nigeria — The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that he is ready to open his defence in the ongoing case against him.
In a new motion filed on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Kanu indicated his willingness to proceed in line with the court’s earlier directive that trial should commence on October 24, 2025. This comes after the court recently received a report from a team of medical experts confirming that Kanu is fit to stand trial.
Kanu, who personally signed the motion, stated that he intends to call 23 witnesses in his defence, divided into two categories: “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses” — the latter to be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.
He also expressed readiness to testify on his own behalf, offering a sworn account to refute the allegations against him and to provide what he called “the political context” of his statements and actions.
Kanu requested a 90-day window to conclude his defence, citing the volume of evidence and the number of witnesses involved.
Among those listed as compellable witnesses are several prominent figures, including:
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Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) – former Minister of Defence
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Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd) – former Chief of Army Staff
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Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State
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Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State
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FCT Minister Nyesom Wike
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Minister of Works Dave Umahi
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Former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu
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Former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami (SAN)
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Former NIA Director-General Ahmed Rufai Abubakar
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DSS Director-General Yusuf Magaji Bichi
Kanu assured the court that his defence would be transparent and thorough, saying his legal team would ensure that “justice is not only done but manifestly seen to have been done.”
This development comes shortly after a Magistrate’s Court in Abuja ordered the remand of Kanu’s special counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, his brother Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and 11 others who participated in a recent protest demanding his release.
The group faces charges including criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, and disobedience to lawful order, alleged to contravene Sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code Law. They are expected to appear for arraignment on October 24, 2025 — the same day Kanu’s trial is set to resume.