Abuja, Nigeria — High tension enveloped the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday October 23rd as detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, officially opened his defence in his ongoing treasonable-felony trial. Kanu’s legal team stunned observers when it submitted a list of high-profile witnesses, including former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, current Minister of Works David Umahi, and former Chief of Army Staff Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai (rtd).
The witnesses, according to lead counsel Ifeanyi Ejiofor, were listed to testify on events leading to Kanu’s 2017 military invasion, his rendition from Kenya, and alleged extrajudicial actions by state agents. Prosecutors from the Federal Ministry of Justice objected to parts of the witness list, calling it an attempt to politicise the trial.
Presiding Justice Binta Nyako, however, ruled that the defence had the constitutional right to call witnesses relevant to its case. Security within the court complex was heavily reinforced, with police and DSS operatives restricting access to journalists and supporters.
Kanu, dressed in a white outfit and appearing calm, reaffirmed his confidence in the judiciary, saying he only seeks “justice within the law.” The case was adjourned to November for cross-examination of the first set of witnesses.
