Banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu has decided to represent himself in his ongoing trial after his legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Kanu Agabi withdrew from the case.
During the 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.
Subsequently, all other SANs of the defense team also withdrew from the trial.
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Kanu confirmed in court that he would defend himself “for now”, but left open the possibility of seeking legal counsel later.
When offered a court-appointed lawyer, he refused.
In his first appearance as a self-represented defendant, Kanu challenged the court's jurisdiction to prosecute him on seven-count terrorism-related charges brought by the federal government.
Kanu was initially arrested in 2015, got bail in 2017 and later fled the country.
He was arrested again in 2021 and has since been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The federal government has accused him of inciting violence through the activities of IPOB and advocating the secession of Nigeria's Southeastern region.
In a recent application filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, Kanu expressed his willingness to proceed with his defence.
He intends to call two categories of witnesses: “ordinary but important” and “important and binding”, as mentioned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.
Individuals listed as “important and compelling” witnesses include former Defense Minister Theophilus Danjuma, former Army Chief of Staff Tukur Buratai, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.
Citing the number of witnesses and the nature of the evidence he wants to present, Kanu has requested the court to grant him 90 days to complete his defence.
