Wike Ready to Testify in Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial if Subpoenaed by Court

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has weighed in on his inclusion in the list of witnesses for the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently facing a terrorism trial.

Dependable NG reports that speaking during his monthly media parley in Abuja, Minister Wike questioned the reason behind Kanu listing him as a witness but firmly stated his readiness to comply with any official court summons. Kanu, whose trial is before the Justice James Omotosho-led Federal High Court in Abuja, recently named several high-profile individuals, including Wike, as “compellable witnesses” crucial to his defence.

The FCT Minister made it clear that he had not been officially served any court process and only learned of his inclusion in the witness list through the media.

“If you see Nnamdi Kanu, you ask him why did he list me? I did not go to say I want to be a witness. So if you see him ask him why did you list Wike as one of your witnesses?” Wike challenged.

He further clarified the official procedure for appearing in court: “You don’t become a witness by reading newspaper, nobody has sent me any process. Nobody has subpoenaed me. So because I saw Nnamdi Kanu listed, therefore I’m going to run. No, you don’t do that. If I am subpoenaed to come and give witness or give evidence, I must obey the court. I must appear but not appear on the pages of newspaper.”

Wike concluded by assuring the public that he would adhere to the law, saying, “He who chooses me there, you should ask him the question. But if I am invited, if I am subpoenaed to come, go home and sleep, I will be there.” Wike, who was Governor of Rivers State during the 2020 Obigbo military operation a period of significant IPOB-related tension is likely sought after to testify on the events and actions taken during that time.