The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said he has not received any formal invitation or subpoena to appear as a witness in the ongoing terrorism trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Speaking during his monthly media chat on Friday in Abuja, Wike dismissed reports that claim that he had already been called to appear.
The former Rivers State governor maintained that he would honour the court if formally invited or subpoenaed.
“Nobody has asked me any questions. Nobody has subpoenaed me. So because somebody said I am a witness, therefore, I’m going to run? No, you don’t do that,” the minister said.
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“If I am subpoenaed to come and give evidence, I must obey the court. I must appear, not on the pages of newspapers. Nobody does that. But if I am invited to come, go home and sleep, I will be there.”
Mr Wike stressed that he would not act on speculation or unverified reports, adding that due process must be followed in any judicial matter involving him.
“You don’t become a witness by reading a newspaper. Nobody has served me process; nobody has subpoenaed me,” Wike stated.
This clarification comes amid growing public interest in the proceedings, particularly following reports of the inclusion of prominent political figures among those said to have been named by Mr Kanu as witnesses.
Kanu Trial
Mr Kanu, who has been in detention since June 2021 after his re-arrest and extradition to Nigeria, is standing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony. Earlier in the week, the separatist leader, who recently opted to represent himself in court, reportedly submitted a list of intended witnesses that included several serving and former government officials.
The IPOB leader is accused of leading a violent campaign for the secession of the South-East region from Nigeria — allegations he has consistently denied, insisting that his movement’s activities are peaceful and lawful.
