Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says he will not appear as a witness in the ongoing trial of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, merely because his name appeared in newspaper reports.
Speaking during a media interaction in Abuja on Friday, Wike made it clear that he has not been served any court process compelling his appearance, but would honour a valid subpoena if one is issued.
“You don’t become a witness by reading the newspaper,” Wike said. “Nobody has served me any process; nobody has subpoenaed me. If I am served or subpoenaed to come and give evidence, I must obey the court.” 
Asked why he was named by Kanu as a witness, Wike replied that he had no idea.
“If you see Nnamdi Kanu, ask him why he listed me. I did not volunteer to be a witness,” he added.
The minister declined comments on whether Kanu’s continued detention should be resolved through a political settlement.
Kanu, who is on trial for terrorism charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja, recently listed Wike among a group of “compellable witnesses” in his defence.
Others named include former Defence Minister 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.
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services since his extradition from Kenya in June 2021.
