Nnamdi Kanu To Defend Himself As Lawyers Withdraw From His Trial
Nnamdi Kanu’s trial takes a new twist as his lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, and other lawyers withdraw from the case. The IPOB leader tells the court he will defend himself, insisting the court lacks jurisdiction to try him.
The ongoing trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, took a dramatic turn on Wednesday, October 23, as his entire legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kanu Agabi, formally withdrew from representing him in court.
Agabi informed the court that the defense team decided to step down following Kanu’s decision to personally take over the case. The move came as a surprise to observers and supporters who were present at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Confirming the development, Nnamdi Kanu told the court that he had relieved his lawyers of their duties and would be defending himself for the time being. When asked by the presiding judge whether he wanted the court to assign a new counsel, Kanu declined the offer, insisting that he would proceed on his own.
The IPOB leader, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021, maintained that the court has no jurisdiction to continue his trial. He argued this point orally before the judge, stating that his continued detention and trial violate both local and international legal standards.
The sudden withdrawal of Kanu’s legal team has raised concerns about the next phase of his case, which has already faced multiple adjournments and legal complications. Observers believe that the decision could either delay the proceedings or open a new chapter in the high-profile trial that has drawn attention both within and outside Nigeria.
Court officials are expected to announce the next date for hearing after reviewing the implications of the new development.
