The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has clarified that he will not appear as a witness in the trial of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, based only on his name appearing in media reports.
Wike made the assertion during a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, stating he has not been served any official court process to compel his attendance or testimony.
“You don’t become a witness by reading the newspaper,” Wike said. “Nobody has served me any process; nobody has subpoenaed me.”
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The minister emphasised that his compliance is strictly dependent on the judiciary’s formal procedure.
“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 stressed.
He added that he would not “begin to run helter-skelter” simply because he saw his name listed in the press.
When questioned about why Kanu, who is facing terrorism charges at the Abuja Federal High Court, was listed as a “compellable witness,” Wike stated he had no idea, suggesting the question should be directed to the IPOB leader himself.
“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?'” he said.
The New Daily Prime earlier reported that Kanu’s list of compellable witnesses includes several other prominent figures.
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They are: former Minister of Defence, 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 immediate past governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu.
