Kanu, who had earlier filed a motion challenging the court’s jurisdiction to continue his trial, made the decision through a new motion he personally submitted on October 21, 2025.
In the fresh motion, Kanu informed the court, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, that he was ready to begin his defence “pursuant to the order of this honourable court made on October 16, 2025,” which directed him to commence his defence on October 24, 2025.
The IPOB leader disclosed that he 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.
Among those listed as witnesses are 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; FCT Minister Nyesom Wike; Minister of Works Dave Umahi; and former Abia State Governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.
Others include former Attorney General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami (SAN), ex-Director General of the National Intelligence Agency Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, and the current Director General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Magaji Bichi.
Kanu stated that he would testify on his own behalf, denying the allegations against him and providing what he described as the “political context” of his statements and actions. He also requested a 90-day timeframe to conclude his defence.
Meanwhile, the same day Kanu filed his motion, a magistrate court in Abuja ordered the remand of his special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others arrested during protests calling for his release.
The police charged them with criminal conspiracy, disobedience of a lawful order, inciting disturbance, and breach of public peace, in violation of sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code. The court adjourned the case until October 24 for arraignment.
