In a dramatic legal development, Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has filed a motion before the Federal High Court in Abuja declaring his readiness to open his defence in the terrorism-related charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
The motion, personally signed by Kanu and filed on October 21, 2025, lists 23 witnesses he intends to call, including prominent political and military figures.
Kanu categorized the witnesses into two groups: those who will voluntarily appear and those he seeks to compel through court summons. He also requested an extension of the six-day window previously granted for his defence, asking for a 90-day period to accommodate the testimonies.
“I am prepared to testify in person and call witnesses who can speak to the facts surrounding my arrest, detention, and the broader political context,” Kanu stated in his filing.
This move follows a recent medical report affirming Kanu’s fitness to stand trial, and comes amid growing public demonstrations calling for his release. The court, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, is expected to rule on the motion in the coming days.