Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has formally notified the Federal High Court, Abuja, of his decision to personally conduct his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial — a major twist in one of Nigeria’s most watched legal battles.
In a fresh motion reportedly filed and signed by Kanu himself, the separatist leader named 23 witnesses, among them some of Nigeria’s most influential political and military figures. The list includes Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd.), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.), Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor Hope Uzodinma, Minister Nyesom Wike, Minister Dave Umahi, and former Abia governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
Kanu is also seeking 90 days to prepare and conclude his defence, citing the number and status of witnesses he plans to call.
Court documents show he categorized his witnesses into two groups — “ordinary but material” (for factual testimonies) and “vital and compellable” (who can be subpoenaed under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011).
Interestingly, the motion was filed without the signatures of his lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), or his special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, fueling speculation of internal rifts in the IPOB leader’s legal camp.
The decision follows the court’s dismissal of his no-case submission on September 26, 2025. Insiders say the move signals Kanu’s determination to take “strategic control” of proceedings and directly challenge the state’s case.
His filing coincided with a #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja, led by activist Omoyele Sowore, which ended with the arrest of 13 persons, including Ejimakor, Kanu’s brother Emmanuel Kanu, and several IPOB supporters. They were later arraigned for conspiracy, disobedience to lawful orders, and public disturbance.
Medical reports from a Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) panel earlier confirmed that Kanu, though hypertensive, is fit for trial — a finding IPOB had been dismissed as “compromised.”
The case, FRN v. Nnamdi Kanu (FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015), dates back to his 2015 arrest and controversial 2021 rendition from Kenya. The federal government is prosecuting him on 15 terrorism-related charges, including managing a proscribed group, inciting violence through Radio Biafra, and financing terrorism.
While the prosecution closed its case in June with five DSS witnesses and multimedia evidence, Kanu’s latest move could prolong the trial but also allow him to “speak for himself.”
Observers say his choice to represent himself is both symbolic and tactical — a bid to regain control of a courtroom drama that continues to test Nigeria’s judiciary, political tolerance, and human rights posture.
Justice James Omotosho is expected to rule on Kanu’s request for a 90-day defence window on Thursday, October 23, 2025, when proceedings resume at the Federal High Court, Abuja.