The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has officially opened his defence in the long-running treason trial against him, marking a significant development in the case.
This decision comes just hours after protests erupted in parts of Abuja, led by African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, demanding Kanu’s immediate release from custody.
At the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday, October 21, Kanu informed Justice James Omotosho that he was ready to proceed with his defence, in line with an earlier court directive mandating him to begin on October 24, 2025. The IPOB leader, who had previously challenged the court’s jurisdiction, filed a fresh application indicating his intention to represent himself in the trial.
Kanu disclosed that he plans to call 23 witnesses—divided into “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses”—to testify under Section 232 of the Evidence Act. He also requested 90 days to conclude his defence.
Among the high-profile figures he intends to summon are former Defence Minister Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), ex-Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Minister of Works Dave Umahi, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami (SAN), and former National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Director-General Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.
Kanu told the court that he would personally take the witness stand to refute the allegations against him and to “clarify the political motivations” surrounding his actions.
He assured the court that his defence would be concise, stating that “justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.”
Meanwhile, in a related development, an Abuja Magistrate Court has ordered the remand of Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s special counsel, along with 12 other individuals arrested during the Abuja protests.
They were charged with conspiracy, unlawful assembly, and public disturbance. The court adjourned their case until October 24, when the hearing will continue.
The new phase of Kanu’s trial signals renewed national attention on one of Nigeria’s most politically sensitive legal battles.
