A dramatic twist played out at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday as the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, announced that he would personally defend himself in his ongoing terrorism trial after his entire team of senior lawyers withdrew from the case.
Leading the defence, Kanu Agabi (SAN) informed the court that he and other Senior Advocates of Nigeria representing the embattled IPOB leader had decided to withdraw their appearance, following Kanu’s decision to take over his own defence.
Addressing the court, Agabi said, “My Lord, the defendant has chosen to conduct his case personally; we, therefore, seek to withdraw from further representation.” Other SANs on the legal team confirmed their withdrawal, leaving Kanu to proceed without formal counsel.
Confirming the development from the dock, Kanu told the trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, that he was ready to defend himself, stating, “I will now defend myself.” When asked by the judge if he would like the court to assign a lawyer to assist him, Kanu declined, insisting he would proceed alone for now.
In his first move acting as his own counsel, the IPOB leader immediately challenged the court’s jurisdiction to continue hearing the case, arguing that the charges brought by the Federal Government were defective and unconstitutional.
The courtroom was said to be tense as the development unfolded, with observers describing it as a major turning point in one of Nigeria’s most controversial and politically charged trials.
Nnamdi Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest and extradition from Kenya in 2021. He faces a seven-count terrorism charge filed by the Federal Government, which he has repeatedly denied, insisting that his agitation for Biafra remains a legitimate political demand and not an act of terrorism.
Legal analysts believe Kanu’s decision to represent himself could either delay the trial further or mark the beginning of a new phase in the long-running case that has drawn both local and international attention.
