The trial of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, took a dramatic turn on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, as the IPOB leader announced the disengagement of his entire legal team and declared his intention to represent himself.
Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi, who led the legal team representing Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on Thursday applied to withdraw from the ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu faces a seven-count terrorism charge filed by the Federal Government. Agabi informed the court that the defendant had decided to take back his case, prompting all Senior Advocates of Nigeria on the team to withdraw.
Confirming the development, Kanu told the court that he would represent himself for the time being, though he left open the possibility of changing his position later.
The trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, asked if he should assign a lawyer to Kanu, but the defendant declined. Kanu also argued orally that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him.
Justice Omotosho had earlier, on October 16, granted Kanu six consecutive days starting from October 23 to open and close his defence under an accelerated hearing schedule.
Kanu had previously listed 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 former Minister of Defence Gen Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) among his 23 witnesses.
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu to Friday to allow him to personally open his defence against a seven-count terrorism charge filed by the Federal Government.
The case was postponed following the withdrawal of Kanu’s legal team, led by former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi, SAN.
Agabi informed the court that Kanu had retrieved his case file and opted to represent himself. All other Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) involved in the defence were asked to vacate the courtroom, though a few remained to ensure order during proceedings.
In his first submission as his own counsel, Kanu challenged the jurisdiction of the court, but trial Justice James Omotosho overruled him.
With intervention from SAN Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, the court granted a short adjournment to allow Kanu to prepare for his defence.
