Detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Thursday told the Federal High Court in Abuja that he would be representing himself in his ongoing terrorism trial following the withdrawal of his legal team.
Lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the court that he and other senior advocates on the defence team were withdrawing from the case, explaining that Kanu had “taken back” the matter from them.
All the Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) on Kanu’s defence team subsequently withdrew their appearance, a move the IPOB leader confirmed in court.
Addressing the court, Kanu said he had decided to handle his defence personally “for now,” though he might consider legal representation at a later stage.
When Justice James Omotosho, who is presiding over the case, asked whether the court should assign him a lawyer, Kanu declined the offer.
Defending himself orally, the IPOB leader argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case against him.
Kanu appeared before the court to open his defence in the terrorism-related charges filed by the Federal Government.
During proceedings, he also named several prominent Nigerians, including former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN); Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd); and former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), among others, as witnesses he intends to call in his defence.
The case continues before Justice Omotosho.
More details to follow…
