Nnamdi Kanu assumes self-representation as lawyers withdraw from case
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has decided to represent himself in his ongoing trial after his legal team, led by Kanu Agabi, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), withdrew from the case.
During a Federal High Court session in Abuja on Thursday, Agabi informed the court of his decision to step down, citing Kanu’s choice to take control of his legal representation.
Following this, all other SANs on the defence team also withdrew from the trial.
Read also: Nnamdi Kanu names Malami, Wike, Umahi, others as defence witnesses in terrorism trial
Kanu confirmed in court that he would defend himself “for now,” but left open the possibility of engaging legal counsel later.
When offered a court-appointed lawyer, he declined.
In his first submission as a self-represented defendant, Kanu challenged the court’s jurisdiction to try him on the seven-count terrorism-related charges brought by the federal government.
Kanu was initially arrested in 2015, granted bail in 2017, and later fled the country.
He was re-arrested in 2021 and has since remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The federal government accuses him of inciting violence through IPOB’s activities and advocating for the secession of Nigeria’s southeastern region.
In a recent application filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, Kanu expressed his readiness to proceed with his defence.
He intends to call two categories of witnesses: “ordinary but material” and “vital and compellable,” as outlined under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.
Individuals listed as “vital and compellable” witnesses include former Defence Minister Theophilus Danjuma, former Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, among others.
Kanu has requested the court grant him 90 days to conclude his defence, citing the number of witnesses and the nature of the evidence he intends to present.
