HotGist9ja Report
“Kanu Lists Malami, Wike, Umahi, Sanwo-Olu, Danjuma, Buratai & Others as Witnesses in His Terrorism Trial”
In a major development in the ongoing terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a fresh motion filed before the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja, has named a long list of high-profile Nigerian officials as defence witnesses.
The motion, personally signed by Kanu and filed on 21 October 2025, is marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015 and dated 20 October. 3
Key Names on the Witness List
- Abubakar Malami – former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF)
- Nyesom Wike – Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
- Theophilus Danjuma (Retd. General) – former Minister of Defence
- Tukur Buratai (Retd. General) – former Chief of Army Staff
- Babajide Sanwo‑Olu – Governor of Lagos State
- Dave Umahi – Minister of Works
- Hope Uzodimma – Governor of Imo State
The motion states Kanu plans to call a total of **23 witnesses**, grouped into two categories: “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses” to be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011. 11
Defence Opening & Strategy
According to the filing, the court had ordered Kanu to commence his defence from 24 October 2025. 12 In response, the defence is formally notifying the court that it is ready to begin but is requesting an extension – a **90-day period** to conclude the defence due to the large number of witnesses listed. 13
Kanu’s defence further states he will testify personally, offering a sworn account to deny the allegations against him and to explain the “political context” of his statements and actions. The motion emphasises that sworn statements from all voluntary witnesses will be provided and that “no precious time of the honourable court would be wasted.” 14
The strategy appears to revolve around bringing high-level individuals into the dock as defence witnesses, arguably to challenge the prosecution’s narrative and to contextualise Kanu’s case within broader political and security issues.
What This Means
This move signals a shift in the defence phase of the trial: rather than just responding to charges, Kanu and his legal team are proactively preparing to call witnesses with privileged positions in government, security and intelligence—a tactic that could increase pressure on the prosecution and raise public scrutiny of the trial process.
Observers say the inclusion of such senior figures may complicate proceedings—both in terms of logistics (witness summons, availability) and legal ramifications (whether those figures will appear, how their testimony may affect the case). It also raises the spotlight on how the judiciary handles high-profile defendants and political issues intertwined with security and separatism.
Next Steps
- The court will need to rule on motions for witness subpoenas/summons for the compellable witnesses.
- Monitoring whether the 90-day timeframe is granted will be key.
- The actual appearance and testimony of the listed witnesses will test the defence’s case strategy.
- Any opposition or objections from the prosecution or government to those witnesses’ appearances may lead to hearings on admissibility or privilege.
We’ll continue to follow developments in this case closely and bring you updates as they unfold.