NIGERIA: Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyers Withdraw From Case As IPOB Leader Opts To Defend Himself

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

The legal team representing the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Thursday, withdrew from his ongoing terrorism trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, a former Attorney-General of the Federation, informed the court that he and other Senior Advocates of Nigeria on the defence team would no longer be representing Kanu, explaining that the defendant had decided to personally take over his case.

When asked by the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, Kanu confirmed the development, stating that he would be representing himself for now, though he might reconsider the decision later.

Justice Omotosho offered to assign a lawyer to assist Kanu, but the IPOB leader declined. He proceeded to open his defence, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him.

Earlier, the judge had granted Kanu six consecutive days, beginning from October 23, to open and close his defence following the accelerated hearing ordered in the matter.

The separatist leader, who is facing a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism, had previously listed several prominent Nigerians, including former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, Minister of Works Dave Umahi, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai (rtd), and former Minister of Defence Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), among others, as witnesses.

The court proceedings continue in Abuja.