Leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has told the court that he is ready to start defending himself in his ongoing trial.
This comes just hours after Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist, led protesters in Abuja demanding Kanu’s release.
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Last week, Kanu had filed a motion challenging the court’s right to continue his trial. On the same day, a medical report ordered by the court confirmed that he was fit to stand trial.
In a new motion filed on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Kanu said he was ready to begin his defence, following the court’s order that he should start on October 24.
Kanu told Justice James Omotosho, who is handling the case, that he planned to call 23 witnesses in total. He divided them into two groups — “ordinary but important witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses.”
He also asked the court to give him 90 days to complete his defence.
Kanu said he would personally testify to deny the allegations against him and explain the political meaning of his actions and statements.
Among the witnesses he listed are:
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Former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd)
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Former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd)
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Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu
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Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma
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Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike
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Minister of Works, Dave Umahi
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Former Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu
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Former Attorney-General, Abubakar Malami (SAN)
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Former NIA Director-General, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar
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DSS Director-General, Yusuf Magaji Bichi
He also mentioned that there are other unnamed witnesses whose identities will be revealed later.
Kanu promised to submit written statements from his voluntary witnesses and said he would not waste the court’s time.
“I want the public and the court to see that justice is done and clearly seen to have been done,” he said.
Meanwhile, on the same day, a magistrate court in Abuja ordered the detention of Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others who took part in the protest calling for Kanu’s release.
The police charged them with criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, and disobeying a lawful order, which violate sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code.
Those arrested include Kanu’s brother, Emmanuel Kanu, and others such as Joshua Emmanuel, Wilson Anyalewechi, Okere Kingdom Nnamdi, Clinton Chimeneze, and Gabriel Joshua.
The magistrate ordered that they be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre until October 24, when their case will be heard again.