Detained leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has formally listed former AGF Abubakar Malami, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ex–Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai, and others as “compellable witnesses” in his ongoing terrorism trial.
In a fresh court motion filed before Justice James Omotosho, Kanu stated his intention to call a total of 23 witnesses, grouped into “ordinary but material” and “vital and compellable” categories.
He wrote:
“I intend to call compellable witnesses who will be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.”
The IPOB leader also asked the court for a 90-day extension to present his defence, citing the number and prominence of the witnesses he plans to summon.
Kanu’s move follows a preliminary objection he filed earlier challenging the jurisdiction of the court over his trial. His legal strategy now hinges on proving that individuals in high office have relevant information critical to his defence.
Observers say the inclusion of powerful political and security figures could intensify pressure on both the court and prosecuting authorities, while raising the stakes in a case already steeped in controversy over due process and political interference.
