Wike: I’ll Only Testify for Nnamdi Kanu if Summoned by Court
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has made it clear that he will not appear as a witness in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), unless he is officially summoned by the court.
Wike dismissed reports naming him as one of Kanu’s potential witnesses, saying that mere mention in the media does not constitute a legal summons.
Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, the minister explained that no formal notice or subpoena had been served on him regarding the case.
“You don’t become a witness by reading about it in the newspaper,” Wike said. “Nobody has served me any court process or subpoena. So just because I saw my name listed somewhere doesn’t mean I should start running around. If I’m formally served or subpoenaed, I’ll obey the court and appear to give evidence.”
When asked why Kanu might have listed him as a witness, Wike said he had no idea.
“If you see Nnamdi Kanu, ask him why he included me. I didn’t volunteer to be a witness,” he added.
The minister declined to comment on whether Kanu’s prolonged detention should be resolved through political means.
Kanu, who is standing trial on terrorism-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja, recently submitted a list of individuals he described as “compellable witnesses.”
Those named include 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; Minister of Works Dave Umahi; and former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
The IPOB leader has remained in DSS custody since his extradition from Kenya in June 2021.