Nnamdi Kanu Plans to Call Witnesses from Ethiopia, Kenya, and U.S. in Terrorism Trial

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has revealed that witnesses from Ethiopia, Kenya, and the United States will testify in his ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

During the court session before Justice James Omotosho, Kanu announced his decision to represent himself, following the withdrawal of his legal team led by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN). In a motion filed on October 21, Kanu listed 23 witnesses, categorized as “ordinary but material” and “vital and compellable,” under Section 232 of the Evidence Act 2011. He asked the court for 90 days to complete his defence.

Kanu also pleaded for more access to his legal team, saying that his current visitation schedule—two hours every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility—was inadequate for case preparation. He requested the court to extend visitation days to accommodate his witnesses and lawyers coming from abroad.

Justice Omotosho granted Kanu’s request for additional visitation, directing the DSS to allow meetings on Saturdays and Mondays. However, the judge expressed surprise at Kanu’s claim that his lawyers had not handed over his case file, especially after the withdrawal announcement.

The court agreed to adjourn the case to allow Kanu to retrieve the necessary files but maintained that the defendant must continue his defence within the court’s standing order. Justice Omotosho emphasized that the trial must proceed without unnecessary delays, citing the need to give other defendants awaiting trial a fair chance.

He urged Kanu to use the opportunity wisely, noting that the court had adjusted its schedule to prioritize his case. The judge warned that further delays could lead to the invocation of legal sanctions. The case was adjourned until October 27 for Kanu to open his defence.