My witnesses are coming from Ethiopia, Kenya and the U.S., Nnamdi Kanu tells court
By: Your Newsroom |
Summary
Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, told the Federal High Court in Abuja that he will call 23 witnesses to support his defence — several of whom will be coming from abroad, including Ethiopia, Kenya and the United States. 0
What Kanu told the court
Addressing Justice James Omotosho at a scheduled hearing, Kanu — who has chosen to represent himself in the terrorism case — said his list of proposed witnesses is split into two categories: “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable” witnesses. He informed the court that some of those witnesses will travel from different continents and requested broader access to his case papers and visitors to prepare their testimony. 1
Specifically, Kanu told the court he requires more visitation time than the limited sessions currently permitted at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility — he said he is only allowed two hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays — arguing that the logistics of coordinating with foreign witnesses and reviewing materials necessitate additional time. The judge granted an order allowing wider consultation hours and directed appropriate agencies to facilitate access. 2
Who the witnesses are (what we know)
While Kanu provided the court with a list of 23 names, media reports indicate the list includes both Nigerian and foreign-based individuals. News outlets report that the names cover a mix of public figures and other persons Kanu says are relevant to his defence; some coverage mentions prominent Nigerians among the witnesses though the full list has not been published in a single official court docket accessible to the press. 3
Context: ongoing trial and public reaction
Kanu has been a central figure in a long-running legal and political dispute. His detention and trial on terrorism-related charges have sparked protests and strong reactions across Nigeria, particularly in the southeast. Recent hearings have drawn intense public and media interest, and security considerations around court sittings have been heightened. 4
What this could mean for the trial timeline
Asking the court for time to assemble and hear foreign witnesses can lead to delays as the judiciary balances the defendant’s right to a full defence with the practical challenges of summonsing and securing testimony from overseas. Kanu sought a 90-day window to conclude his defence citing the number and location of witnesses; the court’s scheduling will take into account security clearances, witness availability, and legal procedures for compelling foreign testimony if required. 5
Key takeaways
- Nnamdi Kanu told the Federal High Court he plans to call 23 witnesses, with some expected from Ethiopia, Kenya and the United States. 6
- He is representing himself and requested expanded access to his case files and visitors to prepare the defence. 7
- The court granted additional access and will manage scheduling and logistics as the defence unfolds. 8