By Atoyebi Nike
The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that he is ready to open his defence a sharp shift from his earlier objection to the court’s jurisdiction.
Kanu made the declaration in a motion personally filed on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, stating his readiness to begin defence “pursuant to the order of this honourable court made on October 16, 2015.”
The move came just hours after African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore led demonstrations in Abuja calling for Kanu’s release.
Kanu revealed plans to call 23 witnesses, including what he described as “vital and compellable witnesses” under Section 232 of the Evidence Act. Among those listed are prominent figures such as former Defence Minister Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd), former Army Chief Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd), Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma.
Others include FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Works Minister Dave Umahi, and former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. Kanu also named former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami (SAN), the DG of DSS Yusuf Bichi, and former NIA DG Ahmed Rufai Abubakar among others.
In his motion, Kanu hinted that he may have disengaged his legal team led by Kanu Agabi (SAN) and requested 90 days to conclude his defence, pledging not to waste the court’s time.
Meanwhile, a magistrate court in Abuja on the same day ordered the remand of Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others arrested during protests demanding his release. They face charges of criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, and disobedience of lawful orders. The case was adjourned till October 24.
