In a dramatic twist in the ongoing terrorism trial of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, his entire legal team led by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), on Thursday formally withdrew from representing him before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Chief Agabi, who had been the lead counsel for the IPOB leader, informed Justice James Omotosho that he and the other Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) on Kanu’s legal team were withdrawing from the case after the defendant reportedly decided to take full control of his defence.
When the matter was called, Agabi announced his withdrawal, saying:
“My Lord, we have been instructed by the defendant to step aside. He wishes to handle his case personally.”
Following Agabi’s announcement, other senior members of the defence team followed suit, also declaring their withdrawal from the proceedings.
Confirming the development in open court, Nnamdi Kanu told Justice Omotosho that he would represent himself for now, though he did not rule out the possibility of engaging new counsel in the future.
The judge asked whether the court should assign a defence lawyer to represent him, but Kanu declined the offer, insisting he was capable of handling his defence.
Meanwhile, the IPOB leader used the opportunity to challenge the court’s authority to hear his case, arguing that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to try him.
Justice Omotosho, who had earlier fixed six consecutive days beginning October 23 for the IPOB leader to open and close his defence under accelerated hearing orders, noted Kanu’s position and adjourned for continuation.
Kanu, who is facing seven counts of terrorism-related charges filed by the Federal Government, had previously listed several prominent figures among his intended witnesses, including former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Minister of Works Dave Umahi, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), and ex-Minister of Defence Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd).
The sudden withdrawal of Kanu’s legal team marks a major development in a case that has already spanned several years, amid growing political, legal, and diplomatic controversies surrounding his detention and trial.
