The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said he will not appear as a witness in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), merely because his name appeared in media reports.
Speaking during a media parley in Abuja on Friday, Wike clarified that he had not received any official notice or subpoena compelling his appearance in court but would honour any formal summons if required to testify or provide evidence.
“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 why Nnamdi Kanu listed him among his witnesses, the minister said he had no idea. “If you see Nnamdi Kanu, 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?’”
Kanu, who is facing terrorism charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja, had listed Wike and several prominent Nigerians as “compellable witnesses” in his ongoing trial.
Others 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 reiterated his respect for judicial authority, stressing that he would only appear before the court if he received a formal summons.
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