By Abiola Olawale
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated his willingness to appear as a witness in the ongoing treason and terrorism trial of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
However, the Minister was explicit that his appearance is conditional and that he must be legally subpoenaed by the court.
The clarification by the FCT Minister comes after Kanu recently submitted a motion to the Federal High Court in Abuja, listing several prominent Nigerian figures—including Wike—as potential defence witnesses in his case.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Friday, Minister Wike confirmed that while he is aware of being listed by the IPOB leader, no official court process has been served to him.
He added that he would be compelled to appear in court to present his witness if subpoenaed by the court, noting that he couldn’t become a witness by reading newspaper reports.
Wike stated: “If you see Nnamdi Kanu, you ask him why he listed me. I did not go to him to say I want to be a witness; you are the one saying that. So, if you see him, ask him why did you list Wike as one of your witnesses?
“You don’t become a witness by reading a newspaper. Nobody has served me process; nobody has subpoenaed me.
“So, because I saw Wike has been listed, therefore, I begin to run helter-skelter. No, you do not do that. If I am served, if I am subpoenaed to come and give witness, or to give evidence, I must obey the court, I must appear.”
