Nnamdi Kanu lists Malami, Wike, Umahi, Sanwo-Olu, Danjuma, Buratai as witnesses in terrorism trial

The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has named several prominent Nigerians, including former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), among his witnesses as he prepares to open his defence in the terrorism charges filed against him by the Federal Government.

In a fresh motion personally signed by Kanu and filed on October 21, 2025, before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, the IPOB leader expressed his readiness to begin his defence as directed by the court.

According to the motion, Kanu intends to call a total of 23 witnesses, grouped into two categories “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses.” Among the high-profile individuals listed are Abubakar Malami, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Minister of Works David Umahi, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Defence Minister Theophilus Danjuma, and former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.).

Kanu further prayed the court to grant him a 90-day timeframe to enable him to conclude his defence, given the number and importance of the witnesses he intends to call.

The move marks a significant turn in Kanu’s long-running trial, which has drawn both national and international attention. His legal team had previously argued that the charges against him were politically motivated and lacked credible evidence.

The case, which has lingered since his re-arrest and extradition from Kenya in 2021, centres on allegations of terrorism, incitement, and membership of an unlawful organization.

Justice Omotosho is expected to rule on Kanu’s latest motion and set a schedule for the commencement of the defence phase in the coming days.