-
Nnamdi Kanu tells court he is ready to begin his defence.
-
He plans to call 23 witnesses, including top government officials.
-
Court remands 13 protesters, including his lawyer and brother.
The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has told the Federal High Court that he is fully prepared to open his defence in his ongoing trial for alleged treasonable felony.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration Layoffs During Shutdown
- What Another Drop in Monthly Inflation Rate Signals for Nigerians
- ‘PDP Defections to APC Prove I Was Right About Tinubu’ – Wike
EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a motion dated October 21 and personally signed by him, Kanu informed the court that his decision aligns with its directive made on October 16, 2025, which ordered him to commence his defence on October 24.
This development comes shortly after activist Omoyele Sowore led a protest in Abuja demanding Kanu’s release.
“I am ready to commence my defence as directed by this honourable court,” Kanu stated in the filing.
The IPOB leader, who had earlier challenged the court’s jurisdiction to continue hearing his case, also confirmed that a team of medical experts had declared him fit to stand trial.
Kanu to Call 23 Witnesses
Kanu disclosed plans to call 23 witnesses in two categories — ordinary but material witnesses and vital compellable witnesses.
Among those listed as compellable are prominent Nigerians including former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd); former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd); Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma; FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike; Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; and former Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.
He also named the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), former NIA Director-General Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, and DSS DG Yusuf Magaji Bichi among others.
Kanu requested a 90-day window to complete his defence, citing the volume of witnesses and evidence. He also stated that he intends to testify personally to deny the allegations and clarify the political context of his actions.
Meanwhile, on the same day Kanu filed his motion, a Magistrate Court in Abuja ordered the remand of 13 persons, including his special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and his brother, Emmanuel Kanu, for protesting his continued detention.
They were arraigned for criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, and public nuisance, and were remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending arraignment on October 24.
The coming days, particularly Kanu’s scheduled defence, are expected to draw intense national and international attention as his long-running case enters a crucial phase.
FURTHER READING
- Kano Court Remands Orphanage Owner Over Abduction of 600 Children
- Information Minister Hails Borno as Nigeria’s Most Resilient State
- Businessman Sends SOS to Police Over Abduction of 16-Year-Old Son in Iba
