The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that some of his witnesses will be travelling from Ethiopia, Kenya, and the United States to testify in his ongoing trial on alleged terrorism charges filed by the Federal Government.
Kanu, who chose to personally conduct his own defence, disclosed this on Friday before Justice James Omotosho, during proceedings in Abuja.
Addressing the court from the dock, Kanu said he intended to call 23 witnesses in total — grouped into two categories: “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses,” who would be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011. He also asked for a 90-day window to conclude his defence, citing the extensive witness list and international logistics.
The IPOB leader complained that his former lawyers had not handed over his case file, making it difficult for him to proceed. He further told the court that his current visitation schedule at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility — two hours every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday — was insufficient for him to prepare his case.
“I have about 23 witnesses coming from all parts of the world — from Ethiopia, Kenya, and the U.S. I want the court to make an order so that these people can have access to me,” Kanu said.
Responding, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), counsel to the Federal Government, maintained that Kanu had been given adequate time to prepare his defence, noting that his no-case submission had already been dismissed. He confirmed that court bailiffs had begun serving summons to the listed witnesses.
Justice Omotosho, while expressing surprise that Kanu’s previous counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), had allegedly withheld the case file, granted an adjournment to allow Kanu to retrieve the documents and prepare his defence.
In the interest of fair hearing, the judge also ordered the DSS to allow Kanu and his legal team access to each other on Saturdays and Mondays for pre-trial meetings.
“This court is here to do justice and will ensure that both parties are given a fair opportunity to present their case,” Justice Omotosho said, stressing that he had created special morning and afternoon sessions to ensure an expedited trial.
The case has been adjourned until October 27, when Kanu is expected to open his defence.