● May have changed counsel, ditched protesters
In a dramatic turn of events, detained Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPoB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has agreed to enter his defence in a Federal High Court in Abuja.
This development comes hours after a failed protest led by Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, demanding Kanu’s freedom.
Kanu, in his defence strategy, plans to call 23 witnesses, divided into two categories: “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable” witnesses who will be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.
Kanu has listed several high-profile individuals as “compellable witnesses”, including:
– Former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd);
– Former Chief of Army Staff, Gen Tukur Buratai (retd);
– Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Hope Uzodinma of Lagos and Imo States respectively;
– Current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Nyesom Nwike;
– Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; and
– Former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.
He has requested a 90-day timeframe to conclude his defence, citing the number of witnesses he intends to call.
Kanu has indicated that he will testify on his own behalf, providing a sworn account of the facts and explaining the political context of his statements and actions.
The court document served on prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, and obtained by our reporter was signed by Kanu, sans his counsel, suggesting he may have changed his counsel, and also ditched protesters agitating for his release.
This development comes on the same day a magistrate court in Abuja ordered the remand of Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others who were protesting against Kanu’s continued trial.
The 13 defendants were charged with various offences, including criminal conspiracy and disturbance of public peace.
Kanu’s decision to enter his defence marks a significant turn in the trial, and it remains to be seen how the court will respond to his request for a 90-day timeframe and the testimony of high-profile witnesses.
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