The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, until Friday, October 24, following the withdrawal of his legal team from the case.
At Thursday’s hearing, Kanu’s lead counsel and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), told the court that the team was stepping down based on Kanu’s instruction.
“The defendant has decided to handle his own case, and we must respect that choice,” Agabi said before announcing the withdrawal of other senior lawyers, including Onyechi Ikpeazu, Paul Erokoro, and Emeka Etiaba.
Confirming the development, Kanu informed the court that he would represent himself but might consider hiring new counsel later. When asked by Justice James Omotosho if he wanted the court to appoint a lawyer for him, Kanu declined.
The judge then ordered non-SAN members of the defence team to exit the courtroom and instructed Kanu to prepare to open his defence.
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Although Kanu insisted that the court lacked the jurisdiction to hear his case, Justice Omotosho ruled otherwise, directing that the trial should proceed.
The IPOB leader faces a seven-count charge involving terrorism, incitement, and managing an unlawful organisation, all of which he has denied.
In a new motion he personally signed, Kanu revealed plans to call 23 witnesses, describing them as “ordinary but material” and “vital and compellable.”
The list includes retired Generals Theophilus Danjuma and Tukur Buratai, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.
He also requested 90 days to conclude his defence, stating that he would testify in person to deny the allegations and explain what he described as the political nature of his actions and statements.
The trial will resume on Friday, when Kanu is expected to open his defence before Justice Omotosho.