Kanu Agabi, a former Attorney-General of the Federation and the lead counsel for Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), applied to withdraw his representation in the ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday.
When the matter was called, Agabi informed the court that he would no longer be representing the IPOB leader, adding that the defendant “had decided to take back the case from them.” Following his announcement, all other Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) involved in the case also withdrew their representation.
Kanu, who is facing a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism, confirmed the development to the trial judge, Justice James Omotosho. He stated that he would be representing himself for now, but noted that this position might change later. When Justice Omotosho asked whether he should assign a lawyer to represent him, Kanu declined the offer.
Proceeding to open his defense orally, Kanu immediately argued that the court lacked the jurisdiction to try him.
This dramatic turn of events comes just as Kanu was scheduled to begin his defense. On October 16, Justice Omotosho had granted the defendant six consecutive days, beginning from October 23, for an accelerated hearing to open and close his defense.
As part of his intended defense, Kanu had previously listed several high-profile witnesses, including former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; a former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd); and a former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd).
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