I Won’t Appear in Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial Without Formal Court Summons – Wike says after he was mentioned as a witness
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said he has no obligation to appear as a witness in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu simply because his name was mentioned in the media.
Speaking during a media parley in Abuja on Friday, Wike clarified that neither the court nor any legal representative had served him an official summons or subpoena.
“I can only honour the court if the proper process is followed,” he said, maintaining that he respects the authority of the judiciary but would not act on hearsay.
Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who is facing terrorism charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja, listed Wike among several high-profile figures he described as “compellable witnesses.”
Others reportedly named include 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.
Wike emphasized that only a formal court process, not media reports, would compel his appearance.
“You don’t become a witness by reading the newspaper. Nobody has served me any process; nobody has subpoenaed me,” Wike said. “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.”
When asked if he knew why Nnamdi Kanu listed him among his witnesses, Wike said he had no idea. “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?’”
