Wike declines to testify in Nnamdi Kanu’s trial unless formally summoned by court

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that he will not appear as a witness in the ongoing trial of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, based solely on media reports mentioning his name.

Speaking during a media interaction on Friday in Abuja, Wike clarified that he has not received any formal court summons or legal document requiring his appearance in connection with the case.

He, however, noted that he would have no objection to testifying if the court issues an official directive for him to do so.

“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 saw Wike listed, I will not begin to run helter-skelter. No, you don’t do that. If I am served, if I am subpoenaed to come and give a witness or give evidence, I must obey the court; I must appear.”

When asked whether he was aware of the reason Kanu included his name among the witnesses, Wike replied that he had no idea and suggested that only the IPOB leader could explain.

“If you see Nnamdi Kanu, you ask him, ‘Why did you list me? I did not go and 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 declined to comment on whether Kanu’s continued detention required a political resolution.

Kanu, who is facing terrorism-related charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja, named Wike alongside several prominent Nigerians as “compellable witnesses” in his defence.

Among those listed are a former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma.

Others include the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, and former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu.

The IPOB leader has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his extradition from Kenya in June 2021.