*Lists 23 witnesses including Wike, Sanwo-Olu, ex-Military Chiefs, others

Detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has agreed to open his defence, marking a major turn in his long-running trial.

This comes a day after protesters in parts of Abuja led by Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 elections, had called for Kanu’s unconditional release.

Kanu had earlier filed a motion challenging the court’s jurisdiction, but in a fresh application on Tuesday, October 21, he informed Justice James Omotosho that he was ready to defend himself, citing a previous court order directing him to begin on October 24, 2025.

He revealed plans to call 23 witnesses divided into two groups: “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses” to testify under Section 232 of the Evidence Act. 

He also requested for 90 days to conclude his defence, indicating that he may now be representing himself instead of his legal team, led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN). 

Among those he intends to summon as witnesses are former Defence Minister, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd); ex-Army Chief, Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd); Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Imo Governor Hope Uzodinma, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike; Works Minister, Engr. Dave Umahi; former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu; former Justice Minister, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and ex-NIA Director-General, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.

Kanu said he would personally testify to “deny the allegations” and explain the political context of his actions, assuring the court that he would not waste its time and that “justice must be seen to be done.”

Meanwhile, on the same day, a Magistrate Court in Abuja, has ordered the remand of Kanu’s special counsel, Barr. Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others who joined the protests demanding his release. 

 They are to face charges of conspiracy, unlawful assembly, and public disturbance, and will be arraigned in court again on October 24.