Wike gives one condition to testify in Nnamdi Kanu’s trial

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports suggesting he would appear as a witness in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), describing them as baseless.

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, Wike said he had not received any formal notice or court summons to testify in the case and therefore had no reason to appear in court.

“You don’t become a witness just because your name appears in a newspaper,” the Minister stated.

“Nobody has served me any document or subpoena. If I am served, I will appear. Until then, I have no business running around over something I only read in the papers,” he added.

Wike said that he had no knowledge of why Kanu included him on the list of potential witnesses, insisting that only the IPOB leader could explain the decision.

“If you happen to see Nnamdi Kanu, ask him why he listed me,” Wike said. “I never volunteered to be a witness; I don’t even know the basis for including my name.”

Nnamdi Kanu, who is standing trial for terrorism-related offences at the Federal High Court in Abuja, recently submitted a list of individuals he described as “compellable witnesses.”

The list includes several prominent figures, such as former Defence Minister, 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.

Wike reaffirmed that while he holds deep respect for the judicial process, he would only appear in court if duly summoned by law.