I’ll only testify in Nnamdi Kanu’s trial if court orders me, says Wike

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), says he will only testify in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), if the court orders him to.

BACKGROUND

On Thursday, Kanu disengaged his legal team, led by Kanu Agabi, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), prompting the lawyers to formally withdraw their representation.

He subsequently listed 23 witnesses, including prominent political and military figures, in two categories — ordinary but material witnesses and vital and compellable — to be summoned under section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.

Those listed as “vital and compellable” witnesses are Theophilus Danjuma, former minister of defence; Tukur Buratai, former chief of army staff; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos state governor; Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo state; and Wike.

Others named include Okezie Ikpeazu, former governor of Abia state; Dave Umahi, minister of works; Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general of the federation; Ahmed Rufai, immediate past director-general of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA); Yusuf Bichi, former director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS); and Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, the current DSS DG.

‘I’LL APPEAR IF COURT SUMMONS ME’

Speaking during an interview on Friday in Abuja, Wike stated that he would not testify in Kanu’s trial merely because the IPOB leader had included his name as a witness.

The minister said he would comply if the court formally summons him to testify or present evidence.

“You don’t become a witness by reading the newspaper. Nobody has served me any process. Nobody has subpoenaed me,” Wike said.

“So, because I was listed, I will begin to run helter-skelter. No, you don’t do that. If I am served or subpoenaed to appear as a witness or provide evidence, I must comply with the court’s orders. I must appear.”

Wike declined to comment on whether Kanu’s continued detention requires a political solution.

The IPOB leader has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since he was extradited from Kenya in June 2021. He is currently facing terrorism charges.

There have been growing calls for Kanu’s release, particularly from stakeholders in the south-east. Kanu’s lawyers also claim that his health is deteriorating daily.

The court has declined several requests to allow Kanu to leave the DSS custody for medical treatment.