Mazi Nnamdi Kanu haslisted former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami,Wika, Imah and others, as his witness in his ongoing alleged terrorism trial.
The high-profile treason trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is set to take a dramatic turn as the defence team prepares to call 23 witnesses, including several prominent figures in Nigeria’s political and security landscape.
Among those listed to testify are Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, Minister of Works David Umahi, former Minister of Defence, a former Chief of Army Staff, and a number of serving and former state governors. The decision to summon such top government officials signals a bold legal strategy by Kanu’s lawyers, who appear determined to challenge the government’s narrative and expose what they describe as “deep inconsistencies” in the prosecution’s case.
According to sources close to the defence team, the witnesses will help “clarify the political context” of IPOB’s struggle and “demonstrate that Kanu’s actions were political expressions, not acts of treason.”
Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021 following his arrest abroad, is facing multiple charges including treasonable felony, terrorism, and incitement.
The trial, which has captured both national and international attention, is expected to resume Friday, when Kanu is scheduled to open his defence before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja. Heavy security is expected around the court premises, as IPOB supporters and human rights observers are likely to gather to witness the proceedings.
Legal analysts say the inclusion of senior political figures such as Wike and Umahi could create political tension within the federal government, especially if any of them are compelled to appear in court or make statements under oath.
A member of Kanu’s legal team, who spoke anonymously, said:
> “This case is not just about Nnamdi Kanu; it’s about the fundamental right of every Nigerian to express their belief in self-determination. The witnesses will help show that this is a political issue, not a criminal one.”
Meanwhile, IPOB members have continued to call for Kanu’s unconditional release, accusing the government of using prolonged detention to silence dissent in the southeast. The group maintains that its campaign for an independent Biafra is peaceful and legitimate under international law.
The Federal Government, however, insists that IPOB has been involved in violent activities, including attacks on security personnel and public facilities — accusations the group vehemently denies.
As the trial resumes, all eyes will be on how the court handles the defence’s witness list and whether these powerful figures will indeed appear in the witness box — a development that could reshape the political and judicial landscape surrounding the long-running Biafra question.