By John Umeh
A major twist emerged in the ongoing trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, as his lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN) — a former Attorney-General of the Federation — formally withdrew from representing him before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday.
Agabi, appearing before Justice James Omotosho, informed the court that he and other members of the defence team would no longer continue with the case. He stated that the decision followed the defendant’s choice to personally take control of his legal representation moving forward.
Following Agabi’s withdrawal, other Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) who had been part of Kanu’s defence also announced their exit from the matter, effectively leaving the IPOB leader without any legal team in court.
Kanu Chooses to Represent Himself
Confirming the development, Nnamdi Kanu told the court that he had decided to handle his own defence — at least temporarily. “I will represent myself for now,” he said, adding that his position might change at a later stage depending on developments in the trial.
Justice Omotosho, in response, asked whether the defendant wished to have the court appoint a lawyer to represent him, but Kanu declined the offer, insisting that he would proceed on his own terms.
The court then proceeded with the scheduled hearing, during which Kanu, speaking on his behalf, challenged the jurisdiction of the court to try him on terrorism-related charges filed by the Federal Government.
Court Proceedings and Background
The court had earlier granted an accelerated hearing of the case, allowing Kanu six consecutive days — starting from October 23 — to open and close his defence. The IPOB leader, who faces a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism, had earlier been granted the right to call witnesses in support of his defence.
In a surprising move, Kanu submitted a list of witnesses that includes several high-profile figures:
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Abubakar Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation
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Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory
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Dave Umahi, Minister of Works
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Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State
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Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), former Chief of Army Staff
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Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), former Minister of Defence
His defence team had earlier hinted that these individuals were being summoned to testify on matters relating to the alleged persecution, extraordinary rendition, and human rights violations that occurred during and after Kanu’s arrest and detention.
Uncertainty Surrounds Next Steps
With his lawyers withdrawing from the case, uncertainty now surrounds how the IPOB leader intends to proceed. While Kanu maintains that the charges against him are politically motivated, his decision to represent himself raises fresh legal and procedural concerns.
Court observers note that self-representation in a terrorism trial of this magnitude is rare and potentially risky. Nonetheless, Kanu appeared resolute, maintaining that the Federal High Court lacks the authority to prosecute him under the current charges.
Justice Omotosho adjourned further proceedings, indicating that the court would allow the defendant the opportunity to prepare his defence independently. The matter is expected to continue under accelerated hearing conditions, as previously ordered by the court.
As the case unfolds, all eyes remain on the Federal High Court in Abuja — and on Nnamdi Kanu himself — as he takes the unusual step of defending his own cause in one of Nigeria’s most politically sensitive trials.
