By Jane Okafor, Abuja
The embattled leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has abandoned his previous plan to call listed high profile witnesses in the ongoing terrorism trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu is standing trial following a 7 – count charge bordering on terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The Daily Crucible reports that on Friday, Kanu had prayed the court for an adjournment after informing the trial judge, Justice James Kolawole Omotosho, that his former legal team, led by a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), had not released his case file to him.
The Daily Crucible further reports that Kanu had earlier expressed his readiness to open his defence in a written application to the court, where in a stunning move, he indicated his intention to call high profile witnesses, including former governor of his home state of Abia, Victor Ikpeazu, whom he reckoned will testify on his administration’s role during the military operation in Umuahia.
Also, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State , according to the detained IPOB leader, will clarify public statements he made following the assassination of Ahmed Gulak, what was former aide then President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
Others listed included: the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, who governed Rivers State during the 2020 Obigbo crisis, was expected to testify on the military crackdown that followed the #EndSARS protests, while Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State was mentioned to testify on the findings of the Lagos #EndSARS Judicial Panel, particularly the Lekki Toll Gate incident.
Former Defence Minister, Gen Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), also listed to speak on his 2018 statement warning Nigerians to defend themselves against state-backed violence.
Kanu’s motion posits that these testimonies are essential to ensuring a fair trial and to “manifestly” demonstrate that justice is being done before the Nigerian public.
He subsequently asked the court to extend the defence timeline by 90 days to accommodate the number and importance of witnesses.
But at the resumed hearing on Monday, October 27, 2025, Kanu backed out of the plan and told the court that upon reviewing the case file, he had resolved that there was no valid charge against him.
He argued that since he believed the charges were unlawful and that the prosecution had failed to establish any case, there was no need for him to proceed with his defence.
However, the trial judge, Justice James Kolawole Omotosho, directed Kanu to file a written address formally stating his position and to serve same to the prosecution.
Justice Omotosho further advised the IPOB leader to seek clarification from experts in criminal law to enable him understand the possible legal implications of his decision.
The judge thereafter adjourned the case to November 4, 5, and 6 for the adoption of final written addresses, based either on Kanu’s position that no case had been established against him or for him to proceed with his defence if he decides otherwise.
