Crime
Nnamdi Kanu Set To Defend Himself In Court, Lists Governors And Ministers As Witnesses
The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is set to personally defend himself in the terrorism-related charges filed against him by the Federal Government, after dismissing his team of lawyers.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, has fixed Friday for Kanu to formally open his defence.
The decision followed a dramatic turn in court on Thursday when former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi (SAN), announced his withdrawal from the case, revealing that the IPOB leader had decided to handle the matter himself.
READ ALSO: Tension Looms As Lawmaker Raises Alarm Over Nnamdi Kanu’s Condition In DSS Custody
According to Agabi, Kanu collected the case file from him and other senior lawyers, indicating his resolve to represent himself. The court subsequently directed all lawyers who had previously appeared for the defendant to vacate the courtroom, leaving only the Senior Advocates of Nigeria to remain.
In his first submission as his own counsel, Kanu challenged the jurisdiction of the court to continue with his trial, but the objection was overruled. However, intervention from one of the senior lawyers, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), persuaded the court to grant Kanu additional time to prepare for his defence.
The prosecution team, led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), did not oppose the request, leading Justice Omotosho to adjourn the case until Friday.
Meanwhile, Kanu has filed a new motion dated October 21, 2025, in which he named 23 high-profile Nigerians as witnesses he intends to call to testify in his favour. The list includes serving governors, ministers, ex-governors, and retired security chiefs.
Among those listed are the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami; and former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd).
Others include Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu; former Defence Minister, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd); former DSS Director-General, Yusuf Bichi; and former NIA DG, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.
Kanu also urged the court to issue subpoenas compelling all the listed individuals to appear and testify, describing them as “vital and compellable witnesses” whose evidence would help establish his innocence.
He further requested a 90-day extension to enable him to open and conclude his defence, noting that the previously allotted six days would be insufficient given the number and calibre of witnesses.
The IPOB leader, who has been in detention since 2021, continues to face a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement against the Nigerian state.
The case resumes on Friday for Kanu to open his defence against the Federal Government’s allegations.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged terrorism financing and illegal firearms possession case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, until April 15 and 16.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the adjournment on Tuesday after the prosecution requested more time to prepare for the trial.
During the court session, lead prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that he had only recently been assigned to handle the case and needed additional time to consult with witnesses.
SEE ALSO: Malami Speaks Out On Court Ruling, Urges Nigerians To Stay Calm
“I got the instruction to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday and so I need time to interface with the witnesses,” Kehinde told the court while asking for a new hearing date.
Counsel for the defendants, Shuaibu Arua (SAN), did not oppose the request for adjournment.
Following the application, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and fixed April 15 and 16 for the continuation of the trial.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier arraigned the former justice minister and his son on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami was accused of allegedly aiding terrorism financing by failing to prosecute suspected financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to him while he served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The defendants were also accused of illegally storing firearms and ammunition at their residence located in Gesse Phase II Area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State without lawful authority.
Items allegedly recovered include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.
The alleged offences are said to violate provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act, 2004.
The trial is expected to continue in April when the court begins full hearing of the case.
A routine patrol by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle in Lagos and the exposure of a wanted driver, highlighting the importance of proper vehicle documentation and cooperation with authorities.
The incident occurred at the RS2.1114 Isolo Unit Command, where officers stopped an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna bearing registration number LSD438GK for a Vehicle Licence Violation (VLV) on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at about 5:11 p.m.
While the driver initially failed to present valid documents, further checks revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen and the driver was already declared wanted.
SEE ALSO: Fatigue, Over Speeding Led To Road Accident Which Claimed 21 Kano Athletes – FRSC
The suspect was subsequently handed over in handcuffs to the Nigeria Police Force, Ajao Division, for further action.
The FRSC credited the recovery to the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS), a digital framework that strengthens vehicle verification and tracking.
The scheme has reportedly helped identify, trace, and recover numerous stolen vehicles nationwide, while curbing criminal syndicates involved in vehicle theft and identity manipulation.
In a statement, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide stressed that enforcement is not only about traffic compliance but also crime prevention and public safety, urging motorists to always carry valid documentation and cooperate with patrol officers.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed commended the Isolo team for their vigilance, affirming the FRSC’s commitment to leveraging technology, intelligence, and strategic partnerships to protect lives and property on Nigerian roads.
A major election scandal unfolded on Saturday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as security agents apprehended a young woman in the Kabusa area for allegedly possessing 20 voter cards during the ongoing area council elections.
The woman, dressed in a black shirt and red trousers with a white scarf, was intercepted at Polling Unit 001 in Kabusa Primary School.
She was immediately escorted into a police van by security personnel, raising concerns about the integrity of the election process.
SEE ALSO: Chaos At Nyanya Polling Unit As PDP, ADC Accuse APC of ₦1,000 Vote Buying
Meanwhile, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, was on the ground monitoring the elections.
He visited several polling units, including the Karu Chief’s Palace, to interact with adhoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and assess voter turnout.
Wike reportedly inquired about the progress of the voting and the challenges faced by election officials.
This incident comes amid reports of low voter turnout and other electoral irregularities in parts of Abuja, underscoring ongoing concerns about electoral security and transparency in the FCT area council elections.
Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing, and the suspect may face legal action pending further verification of her actions.
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