The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports claiming he intends to testify in the trial of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The minister described the speculation as misleading, emphasizing that he has not received any official summons or legal notice to appear in court.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Friday, Wike clarified that his name appearing in the newspapers does not automatically make him a witness in Kanu’s trial.
According to him, “You don’t become a witness by reading the newspaper. Nobody has served me any process; nobody has subpoenaed me.”
He further explained that he would only appear in court if due legal process is followed.
“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,” he added.
The clarification comes amid growing speculation following reports that Kanu had listed Wike among a group of top Nigerian figures as “compellable witnesses” in his ongoing terrorism case at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
When asked why Kanu might have included him on the list, the minister said he had no knowledge of the reason.
“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,’” Wike said.
Nnamdi Kanu, who faces terrorism-related charges, has been in custody since his arrest and extradition in 2021.
His legal team recently submitted a list of witnesses believed to be relevant to his defense, including several high-profile Nigerians.
Among those named are former Defence Minister 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 Minister of Works Dave Umahi and former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
The minister’s denial has sparked public debate, with many describing the development as unexpected.
