We Respect Nnamdi Kanu’s Decision To Defend Himself, We Wish Him Well –Ex-Lead Counsel, Agabi

Former lead counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), has said his legal team fully respects Kanu’s decision to personally conduct his defence in court.

Agabi made the remark on Thursday shortly after formally withdrawing from the case at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Kanu appeared for the continuation of his trial on terrorism-related charges.

Speaking with journalists outside the courtroom, Agabi confirmed that Kanu had opted to represent himself, stressing that the choice was entirely within his constitutional right.



“He has decided to conduct his defence by himself. He has a right to do so. We respect that decision; we wish him well going forward,” Agabi said.

Earlier in court, Kanu informed the presiding judge that he had chosen to represent himself, prompting Agabi (SAN) and other members of his legal team to withdraw from the case.

Agabi told the court that the entire defence team was stepping down in light of the defendant’s decision to conduct his defence personally.

All the Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) who had been representing Kanu also formally withdrew from the proceedings, a development Kanu himself confirmed in open court.

Addressing the judge, the IPOB leader said he had decided to handle his defence “for now,” adding that he might review that decision at a later stage.

When asked by the presiding judge whether he wanted the court to assign him another lawyer, Kanu declined the offer, insisting he would continue to represent himself.

Arguing orally before the court, Kanu maintained that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to try him on the current charges brought by the Nigerian government.