Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has indicated readiness to open his defence in the ongoing treason trial brought against him by the federal government.
In a new application filed before the federal high court in Abuja, Kanu listed 23 witnesses, including political and military figures such as Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo State; Tukur Buratai, former chief of army staff; Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT); and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State governor.
The IPOB leader, who faces charges bordering on treasonable felony and terrorism, said he is prepared to personally lead his defence. The notice, personally signed by Kanu, also suggests that he may have disengaged his legal team led by Kanu Agabi (SAN).
According to the filing, Kanu intends to call two categories of witnesses — those described as “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable” witnesses — to testify under section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.
Other key figures listed include Okezie Ikpeazu, former governor of Abia State; Dave Umahi, minister of works; Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general of the federation; Ahmed Rufai, former director-general of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA); Yusuf Bichi, former director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS); and Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, the current DSS director-general.
Kanu, in his request to the court, also sought a 90-day window to conclude his defence, citing the volume of evidence and the number of witnesses he intends to call.
Earlier, Justice James Omotosho, the presiding judge, had directed that Kanu be allowed to meet with his lawyers within the court premises to address concerns about alleged interference by DSS officials.
Kanu’s latest filing marks a major shift in his legal strategy, as he moves to personally challenge the prosecution’s case. The federal government has maintained its position that Kanu incited violence through IPOB’s activities and called for the secession of Nigeria’s south-east region.
Kanu, first arrested in 2015, fled Nigeria after being granted bail in 2017. He was re-arrested in 2021 and has since been in the custody of the DSS. The court is expected to consider his new application and determine the next steps in the long-running case, which continues to draw national and international attention.
