Detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu has declared his readiness to open his defence in the ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja — just hours after a low-turnout protest led by Omoyele Sowore demanding his release.
Abuja, Nigeria — Hours after a nationwide protest demanding his release, detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has declared his readiness to open his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The protest, spearheaded by Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, witnessed a low turnout as residents across Nigeria largely ignored the call for mass action.
Kanu Files Fresh Motion to Begin Defence
In a motion personally filed on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Kanu informed the court of his intention to commence his defence “pursuant to the order of this honourable court made on October 16, 2015,” directing him to begin on October 24, 2025.
Presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, heard Kanu’s declaration that he would be calling a total of 23 witnesses, categorized into two groups:
Ordinary but material witnesses, and
Vital and compellable witnesses, to be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.
Kanu to Represent Himself, May Have Dropped Legal Team
In a surprising twist, Kanu’s motion appeared to indicate that he may have disengaged his legal team led by Kanu Agabi (SAN).
He informed the court that he would personally testify, offering a sworn account to deny all allegations and explain the political context of his statements and actions.
The IPOB leader requested a 90-day timeframe to conclude his defence, citing the number of witnesses and the need for a fair presentation of evidence.
Prominent Nigerians Named as Witnesses
Among the 23 witnesses Kanu intends to summon are several high-profile political and security figures, including:
Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) – Former Minister of Defence
Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd) – Former Chief of Army Staff
Babajide Sanwo-Olu – Governor of Lagos State
Hope Uzodinma – Governor of Imo State
Nyesom Wike – Minister of the Federal Capital Territory
Dave Umahi – Minister of Works
Okezie Ikpeazu – Former Governor of Abia State
Abubakar Malami (SAN) – Former Minister of Justice
Ahmed Rufai Abubakar – Former DG, National Intelligence Agency (NIA)
Yusuf Magaji Bichi – DG, Department of State Services (DSS)
He also noted that some witnesses would remain unnamed for security reasons but would provide sworn statements to the court.
Assures Court of Speed and Transparency
Kanu pledged that his defence would not waste the court’s time, stating
“It will interest the honourable court and the general public that justice is not only done but manifestly seen to have been