ABUJA — Former Attorney-General of the Federation and lead counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, Mr. Kanu Agabi (SAN), has formally withdrawn from representing the separatist leader in his ongoing terrorism trial before the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The development occurred on Thursday, when the matter came up for continuation of hearing. Agabi told the court that he and other members of the defence team would no longer appear in the case, following Kanu’s decision to personally take charge of his legal representation.
“All the Senior Advocates of Nigeria involved in the matter have withdrawn from the case,” Agabi informed the court.
Confirming the decision, Nnamdi Kanu told the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, that he would be representing himself for now, although he noted that the arrangement “might change later.”
Justice Omotosho, however, inquired whether the court should assign a lawyer to represent him, a suggestion Kanu declined, opting to personally handle his defence.
In a brief oral address before the court, the IPOB leader maintained that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to try him, reiterating a position he has consistently advanced since his arrest and detention by the Federal Government.
Kanu is currently facing a seven-count terrorism charge filed by the Federal Government, bordering on alleged incitement, membership of an unlawful organization, and related offences.
It will be recalled that on October 16, Justice Omotosho had granted Kanu six consecutive days, beginning from October 23, to open and close his defence as part of an accelerated hearing process earlier approved by the court.
The court is expected to resume proceedings next week, where Kanu is anticipated to begin his self-representation.
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