The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has officially informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that he will personally handle his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial.
Kanu made the decision known in a motion he personally signed, stating that he plans to call 23 witnesses, including several well-known figures such as former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd.); former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.); Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; and former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu.
In the filing, Kanu requested a 90-day period to complete his defence and expressed his readiness to testify under oath. The motion categorised his witnesses into two groups: those providing factual evidence and those considered “vital and compellable” under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.
The development has sparked speculation about a possible disagreement within Kanu’s legal team, as the document was not signed by his lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), or his special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor.
Kanu’s choice to represent himself comes weeks after the court dismissed his no-case submission on September 26, 2025. The move has been interpreted by some observers as a sign of frustration and a desire for greater control over his case.
His filing coincided with a protest in Abuja led by rights activist Omoyele Sowore, calling for his release. Security agents dispersed the protesters, arresting 13 people, including Ejimakor, Kanu’s brother Emmanuel, and some IPOB supporters. They were later charged with criminal conspiracy, disobedience to lawful orders, and public disturbance.
Civil rights groups have criticised the arrests, saying they violate fair trial rights guaranteed under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution.
Medical reports from a Nigerian Medical Association panel on September 23, 2025, indicated that Kanu suffers from hypertensive heart disease but was deemed fit for trial. IPOB rejected the report, calling it “compromised,” but Justice James Omotosho adopted it on October 16 and fixed six consecutive days (October 23–30) for the defence to open its case.
Kanu, however, has asked the court for more time, citing the number and importance of his witnesses. The judge is expected to consider the request on October 23, 2025.
The case, Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Nnamdi Kanu (FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015), dates back to his arrest in 2015 and his controversial return from Kenya in 2021. He faces 15 terrorism-related charges, including leading a proscribed organisation, inciting violence through Radio Biafra, and financing terrorism.
The prosecution closed its case in June 2025 after presenting five witnesses from the Department of State Services and multimedia evidence allegedly linking Kanu’s broadcasts to violent attacks in the South-East.
Legal analysts say Kanu’s decision to take charge of his own defence could significantly influence the pace and direction of the proceedings. While supporters view his move as bold and symbolic, critics believe it could delay the trial further.
The next hearing is scheduled for Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the court will decide on his 90-day request.