The Federal High Court in Abuja has approved the issuance of witness summons to top Nigerian figures, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, to appear in the ongoing terrorism trial of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the case, confirmed on Thursday that the summons had been duly signed and were ready for dispatch. Other individuals listed as witnesses include Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and former Chiefs of Army Staff, Generals T.Y. Danjuma and Tukur Buratai.
The summons follow Kanu’s formal request to have prominent Nigerians compelled to testify in his defence against terrorism-related charges brought by the Federal Government. Justice Omotosho directed Kanu to personally collect and serve the summons as required by law.
In a dramatic turn during Thursday’s proceedings, Kanu announced that he had dismissed his entire legal team and would henceforth represent himself in court. Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Kanu Agabi, who led the team, confirmed their withdrawal, citing respect for the defendant’s decision.
Kanu told the court he would not open his defence, arguing that the trial lacked jurisdiction. He based his objection on claims that the Federal Government had disobeyed a Court of Appeal ruling ordering his release, among other grounds, including allegations of forged medical reports and denial of fair hearing.
Prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, countered Kanu’s arguments, stating that the Court of Appeal’s ruling had been overturned by the Supreme Court in December 2023. He urged the court to disregard Kanu’s oral submissions, insisting they must be presented through a sworn affidavit.
Justice Omotosho, however, maintained that the medical report in question had been duly admitted and acted upon by the court, adding that Kanu’s objections had already been addressed in earlier rulings. He advised Kanu to conduct his defence calmly, describing it as his constitutional right.
The court later adjourned the case until Friday, October 24, granting Kanu additional time to prepare for his self-representation.
