Wike: I Won’t Testify in Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial Just Because My Name Was Mentioned

By Our Correspondent

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said he will not appear as a witness in the ongoing trial of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, simply because his name appeared in media reports.

Speaking during a media parley in Abuja on Friday, Wike clarified that he has not been served any formal summons or court process requiring him to testify in the case.

According to him, press reports do not constitute a legal directive. “You don’t become a witness by reading the newspaper. Nobody has served me any process; nobody has subpoenaed me,” he said.

Wike emphasized that he would not act based on speculation or media mention, saying, “I will not begin to run helter-skelter just because I saw my name listed. If I am served or subpoenaed to give evidence, I must obey the court; I must appear.”

When asked why he was listed among Kanu’s witnesses, the minister said he had no idea and suggested that only Kanu could explain the reason. “If you see Nnamdi Kanu, you ask him, ‘Why did you list me? I didn’t say I wanted to be a witness.’ So, if you see him, ask him why he listed Wike as one of his witnesses,” he remarked.

Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently standing trial for terrorism charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja, reportedly listed Wike alongside several other prominent Nigerians as “compellable witnesses.” The list includes 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 former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.