Kanu sacks legal team, opts to defend self in court
By: Zagazola Makama
The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Thursday, sacked his entire legal team and informed the Federal High Court, Abuja, that he would henceforth defend himself.
The dramatic development occurred during the resumed hearing of Kanu’s long-standing trial on charges bordering on treasonable felony, terrorism, and incitement brought against him by the Federal Government.
Kanu’s legal team, comprising senior lawyers including Kanu Agabi (SAN) and Ifedayo Ikpeazu (SAN), announced their withdrawal from the case after the IPOB leader insisted he no longer required legal representation.
Kanu, who spoke from the dock, told the court he had lost confidence in his defence counsel and would personally take charge of his case.
“I have decided to defend myself in this matter,” Kanu was quoted as saying before the trial judge.
Following his declaration, Agabi, who had been leading the defence, informed the court that all senior advocates and other members of the legal team were withdrawing from the proceedings in light of Kanu’s decision.
“My Lords, in view of the defendant’s clear position that he wishes to conduct his own defence, we, the counsel on record, have no option than to withdraw formally from this matter,” Agabi said.
The development momentarily threw the courtroom into silence as the judge sought clarification from Kanu to ascertain that his decision was voluntary.
Court officials confirmed that Kanu maintained his stance, adding that he would henceforth represent himself in challenging what he described as the “lack of jurisdiction” of the court to continue hearing his case.
Kanu had repeatedly argued through previous filings that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to try him, citing what he termed procedural violations and his controversial rendition from Kenya in 2021.
The prosecution team, led by the Federal Government’s counsel, did not object to the withdrawal of the defence lawyers, but urged the court to ensure the case proceeds without unnecessary delays.
The trial, which has spanned several years and gone through multiple adjournments, resumed amid heightened security presence within and around the Federal High Court complex in Abuja.
Kanu’s decision to dismiss his legal team marks a major twist in the high-profile case, which has continued to attract both local and international attention.
