Nnamdi Kanu’s defence stalled today after sacking his entire legal team in court.
NaijaOnPoint Nigeria reports that the scheduled commencement of defence in the ongoing terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was halted on Thursday following the sudden dismissal of his entire legal team.
Kanu, who was expected to open his defence before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, shocked the courtroom when his lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), announced his withdrawal from the case along with other Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) representing the IPOB leader.
Agabi informed the court that the decision stemmed from Kanu’s choice to take full control of his case.
“The reason for our withdrawal is because the defendant has taken this case back from us, and we respect that,” he said.
Other senior lawyers who withdrew included Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Joseph Akubo (SAN), Paul Erokoro (SAN), Emeka Etiaba (SAN), and one unnamed SAN.
When questioned by Justice Omotosho, Kanu confirmed that he had indeed sacked all his lawyers and expressed readiness to personally handle his defence.
The judge then directed all remaining members of the defence team, except the SANs, to vacate the courtroom, and subsequently invited Kanu to begin his defence.
However, instead of proceeding, Kanu challenged the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that his trial should not continue — a submission Justice Omotosho promptly overruled, insisting the defendant must proceed.
At that point, Ikpeazu (SAN) appealed for leniency, asking the court to grant Kanu time to “gather his thoughts and prepare for the task ahead,” given the abrupt legal changes.
The prosecution raised no objection, leading Justice Omotosho to adjourn proceedings until Friday, October 24, to allow Kanu to begin his defence.