The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has clarified under what circumstances he would agree to appear as a witness in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Speaking during a media session in Abuja on Friday, Wike dismissed reports that he had already agreed to testify, emphasizing that he would only do so if formally summoned by the court.
“You don’t become a witness just by reading your name in the newspapers,” Wike said.
“Nobody has served me any process or subpoena. But if I am officially invited by the court to give evidence, I must obey.”
When asked why Kanu might have included his name among his list of witnesses, Wike said he had no idea and suggested that only Kanu could explain that decision.
“Ask Nnamdi Kanu why he listed me,” the former Rivers State governor remarked. “I never volunteered to be a witness.”
Earlier this week, Kanu filed a motion at the Federal High Court in Abuja, listing 23 witnesses, including prominent political figures and security chiefs, as part of his defence in his terrorism trial.
The motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, followed the court’s directive that he open his defence on October 24.
Among those listed were former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, Minister of Works Dave Umahi, and retired Generals Theophilus Danjuma and Tukur Buratai.
The witnesses were grouped into two categories, voluntary witnesses and compellable witnesses to be subpoenaed under Section 232 of the Evidence Act (2011).
Some, like political historian Emeka Umeagbalasi and U.S lawyer Bruce Fein, are expected to testify on issues ranging from self-determination to the legality of Kanu’s rendition from Kenya.
Others, including Kanu’s physician, Prof. Martin Aghaji, will speak on his health and detention conditions.
Kanu, detained since June 2021 following his extradition from Kenya, continues to maintain that his trial is politically motivated.
