Nnamdi Kanu Lists Malami, Wike, Buratai Among Witnesses in Terrorism Trial

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has named several prominent Nigerians—including former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami (SAN)—as witnesses in his ongoing terrorism trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja. In a motion personally signed by Kanu and filed before Justice James Omotosho, the IPOB leader stated his readiness to commence defence in compliance with the court’s directive. According to court filings sighted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the motion—marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015 and dated October 20—was filed on October 21. It is titled: “Notice of Number and Names of Witnesses to be Called by the Defendant and Request for Witness Summons/Subpoena and the Variation of the Time Within Which to Defend the Counts/Charges Against the Defendant.” Kanu disclosed plans to call 23 witnesses, divided into “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses,” the latter to be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011. He requested a 90-day period to conclude his defence. He also told the court he would personally testify, providing a sworn account of the events and explaining the political context of his statements and actions. Among his proposed “compellable witnesses” are: Former AGF Abubakar Malami Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike Former Minister of Defence Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) Former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd) Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma Minister of Works Dave Umahi Former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu Former DG of the National Intelligence Agency Ahmed Rufai Abubakar Former DG of the State Security Service Yusuf Bichi Kanu assured the court that all voluntary witnesses would submit sworn statements in advance and that his defence team would not delay proceedings. He emphasized that his intention was to ensure “justice is not only done but manifestly seen to have been done.” The motion follows his preliminary objection filed last week, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to continue hearing the case—filed the same day a court-appointed medical panel declared him fit to stand trial. Meanwhile, a magistrate court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered the remand of Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others arrested during Monday’s protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore, which demanded Kanu’s release. The defendants face charges of criminal conspiracy, disobedience of lawful order, and inciting disturbance under Sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code. They have been remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre pending their arraignment on October 24.

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Nnamdi Kanu’s Brother And Lawyer Remanded Over #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest In Abuja

Prince Emmanuel Kanu, brother of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, have been remanded in custody by a Magistrate Court in Kuje, Abuja. The two were arrested during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest on Monday, October 20, and arraigned on Tuesday alongside 11 other individuals. They are facing charges of breach of public peace brought by the police. The protest caused major disruptions in Abuja, affecting workers and commuters across the city. Authorities stated that the demonstration violated an existing court order restricting protests in certain areas. Last week, the Federal High Court in Abuja had prohibited Omoyele Sowore and other protesters from demonstrating near sensitive locations, including the Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way, until the hearing of a pending motion. The injunction was granted by Justice Mohammed Umar after an ex-parte application by the police, represented by lawyer Wisdom Madaki, on behalf of the federal government.

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Tension in Abuja as Security Forces Seal Off Presidential Villa Over Nnamdi Kanu Protest

Heavy security presence enveloped parts of Abuja on Monday amid planned demonstrations demanding the release of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The protest, convened by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore under the #RevolutionNow movement, triggered widespread gridlock across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as security forces mounted tight surveillance around key government institutions. Soldiers, police officers, and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) were deployed in large numbers, sealing off the Three Arms Zone and intensifying stop-and-search operations around the Presidential Villa and adjoining routes. Even staff of the Villa with valid parking permits were turned back and redirected to alternative routes after all access points to the State House were closed. One frustrated staff member posted online: “Please, can someone find out what is going on in the Villa? All access roads are blocked. Nobody is allowed in, even with tags.” The lockdown caused heavy traffic along major routes including the Keffi–Abuja Expressway, where soldiers reportedly mounted checkpoints near the Sani Abacha Barracks as early as 4 a.m. Civil servants and traders commuting from Nyanya, Karu, Mararaba, and Masaka faced long delays. Security blockades were also observed along the Dutse–Bwari axis and Airport Road, forcing travelers heading toward the Central Business District to take detours. One internal memo to workers read: “Good morning, dear colleagues. Please, if you are coming from Airport Road to Central Area, follow Area 1. Security blocked from National Mosque.” Security patrols were also visible around Eagle Square, the Federal Secretariat, and the National Assembly, with officials on high alert to prevent disruptions. Nnamdi Kanu, arrested and extradited to Nigeria in June 2021, remains in custody despite multiple court orders for his release. His supporters continue to demand his freedom, citing concerns about his deteriorating health and prolonged detention.

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Tinubu’s Aide Urges NBA, LPDC to Sanction Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer Aloy Ejimakor for Joining Protest

Tinubu’s Aide Urges NBA, LPDC to Sanction Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer Aloy Ejimakor for Joining Protest

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has called on Nigeria’s legal regulatory bodies to sanction Mr. Aloy Ejimakor, one of the lawyers representing detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, for participating in the ongoing #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja. Onanuga made the statement in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, criticising Ejimakor for joining the demonstration organised by human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore. “I spotted Aloy Ejimakor, one of Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers, among the small group of protesters mobilised in Abuja by Omoyele Sowore,” Onanuga wrote. He argued that Ejimakor’s involvement in the protest undermines legal ethics, noting that Kanu’s case is still before a competent court. “I wonder what Mr. Ejimakor was thinking when he decided to join this shambolic protest. As a lawyer, he should be aware of the principle of sub judice, particularly in relation to the ongoing treason case before the court,” Onanuga said. The presidential aide emphasised that the prosecution had concluded its case, and it was now the responsibility of Kanu’s legal team to focus on preparing a strong defence rather than participating in public demonstrations. “Rather than focusing on preparing a strong case, Mr. Ejimakor has resorted to extra-legal tactics, joining a career anarchist to influence the process. Ejimakor’s action questions his adherence to professional ethics,” he added. Onanuga urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) to review Ejimakor’s conduct and consider appropriate sanctions for what he described as “unethical behaviour.”

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Sowore Flees as Police Disperse ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu’ Protest in Abuja

A peaceful protest calling for the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, reportedly turned chaotic in Abuja as security operatives fired tear gas and shots into the air to disperse demonstrators. The rally, which was led by activist and Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore, was held in the Maitama area of the capital. Witnesses said the police moved in shortly after the protesters began chanting “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now,” leading to a stampede as participants fled the scene. Although live rounds were discharged, there is no confirmation that the bullets were aimed directly at protesters, and no casualties have been reported. Meanwhile, more videos emerging from the capital show parts of Abuja under partial lockdown, with heavy traffic congestion and restricted movement following the security clampdown.

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Tension In Abuja As Security Operatives Fire Live Rounds To Disperse Pro-Kanu Protesters

Protesters demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), were dispersed in chaos on Monday after security operatives allegedly fired live bullets near the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The demonstration, which began around 6:50 a.m. at the Ministry of Women Affairs headquarters, was led by Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow movement and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC). According to Daily Trust, personnel from the Nigerian Police Force, Guards Brigade, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) had tightened security around major government buildings, including the Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Court of Appeal, and Eagle Square. The protesters, who had earlier vowed to march to the Presidential Villa to demand Kanu’s freedom, were met with heavy resistance as they approached the Court of Appeal area. Witnesses said security operatives opened fire, sending protesters running in panic. At first, the demonstrators believed the officers intended to use tear gas, but shock spread when live rounds were discharged from multiple directions. Before the gunfire, Sowore and other protesters were heard pleading with the police, shouting, “Don’t teargas us! Respect the rule of law! We have the right to protest, we’re Nigerians.” The situation quickly descended into chaos as protesters fled in different directions to avoid the bullets. As of press time, armoured vehicles and personnel from the Guards Brigade, DSS, and police remained stationed at strategic locations near the Presidential Villa and surrounding government buildings.

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Nnamdi Kanu’s Wife Begs Court To Save Husband’s Life, Rejects DSS Medical Report

Favour Michael Kanu, wife of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has appealed to Justice James Omotosho of the Abuja High Court not to let her husband die in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). In an open letter to the judge on Thursday, Mrs. Kanu expressed deep concern over what she described as the deteriorating health of her husband, faulting the medical report presented in court by a panel of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). The NMA team had earlier informed the court that Kanu’s condition was not life-threatening and that he was fit to stand trial. However, Mrs. Kanu dismissed the report as misleading and unethical, insisting that her husband’s health was critical and required urgent medical care outside the DSS facility. She urged the court to order his transfer to another hospital within Abuja, warning that keeping him at the DSS clinic could worsen his condition. “When your Lordship took over Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case in March 2025, I strongly believed justice was at hand, having read about your impeccable reputation. However, the recent developments in court make me wonder if those attributes were exaggerated,” the letter read in part. She accused the court of indecisiveness and delays, alleging that the proceedings were being deliberately prolonged to keep her husband in detention. Mrs. Kanu also questioned the authenticity of the NMA’s report, claiming that it was never properly conducted. According to her, the DSS produced a “disjointed and unethical” report instead. She blamed her husband’s poor health on the alleged torture he suffered after being “illegally brought back from Kenya,” adding that he has since been held in harsh conditions without adequate medical care. “Why will your Lordship deny Mazi Nnamdi Kanu the opportunity to be treated in a proper hospital in Abuja instead of subjecting him to a poorly equipped DSS clinic?” she asked. Mrs. Kanu appealed to Justice Omotosho to intervene swiftly, stressing that her husband’s life was at risk and that justice must not be sacrificed to bureaucracy.  

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Nnamdi Kanu Declared Medically Fit To Stand Trial, Court Approves Private Legal Consultation

The team of medical experts appointed by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has confirmed that the health condition of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is not life-threatening. The medical assessment was ordered by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja to resolve conflicting reports from medical personnel representing both the prosecution and the defence. In the panel’s report, submitted to the court on October 13 and partially read in open court on Thursday, the experts concluded that Kanu is medically fit to continue with his terrorism trial. Following the submission, Justice Omotosho ruled that the trial could proceed, noting that there were no objections from either side regarding the findings. However, the judge granted a request from Kanu’s lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN), for a private consultation between the defendant and his legal team outside the Department of State Services (DSS) facility. Agabi had expressed concerns that discussions with his client might be recorded or monitored by the DSS. Justice Omotosho directed that the private consultation be held inside the courtroom, without any third parties present, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on October 22. The court also scheduled the continuation of Kanu’s trial for October 23.  

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