The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has opted to open his defence in the terrorism case against him, listing several top political and military figures as witnesses.
Mazi Kanu made the decision on Tuesday, just hours after activist Omoyele Sowore led demonstrations across parts of Abuja demanding his release.
According to court filings, the IPOB leader informed Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court that he was ready to begin his defence in line with an earlier order directing him to do so on October 24, 2025.
This move came only days after Kanu filed a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction to continue his trial.
He told the court he would call 23 witnesses 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.
Among those Kanu described as “compellable witnesses” are prominent political and security figures including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike; Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd); former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd); Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) and Hope Uzodinma (Imo); as well as former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu.
Others named include former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN); former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; and State Security Service (SSS) Director-General, Yusuf Magaji Bichi.
In his notice, which he personally signed, Kanu indicated that he might have dismissed his legal team led by Kanu Agabi (SAN), adding that he would testify on his own behalf.
He sought a 90-day window to conclude his defence, promising to submit sworn statements from voluntary witnesses to the court and ensure that proceedings were not unduly delayed.
“I will provide a sworn account of the facts, deny the allegations, and explain the political context of my statements and actions.
“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to have been done,” he wrote.
Relatedly, the same day Kanu’s motion was filed, a Magistrate Court in Abuja ordered the remand of his special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others who had participated in protests calling for Kanu’s release.
The protesters were charged with criminal conspiracy, disobedience of a lawful order, inciting disturbance, and public nuisance offences contrary to Sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code.
Those charged alongside Ejimakor include Emmanuel Kanu (the IPOB leader’s brother), Joshua Emmanuel, Wilson Anyalewechi, Okere Kingdom Nnamdi, Clinton Chimeneze, Gabriel Joshua, Isiaka Husseini, Onyekachi Ferdinand, Amadi Prince, Edison Ojisom, Godwill Obioma, and Chima Onuchukwu.
The court ordered their remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre and adjourned the case to October 24 for arraignment.
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest in 2021, facing charges related to terrorism, secessionist activities, and incitement.
