Nnamdi Kanu to open defence in ‘terrorism’ trial on Friday

A federal high court in Abuja has adjourned the case of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to October 24.

At the commencement of proceedings on Thursday, Kanu Agabi, senior lawyer leading Kanu’s legal team, moved an oral application to withdraw legal representation for the IPOB leader.

Agabi explained that the reason for their withdrawal “is because the defendant has taken this case back from us and we respect that”.

Other senior advocates who withdrew their representation include Onyechi Ikpeazu, Joseph Akubo, Paul Erokoro, Emeka Etiaba and one other.

Kanu confirmed sacking all his lawyers and told the court that he was willing and ready to conduct his case by himself. When the judge asked if he should be assigned a lawyer, he declined the offer.

The judge then asked the defendant to open his case. 

Kanu began arguing about the court’s jurisdiction to further conduct his trial. But he was overruled by the judge, who insisted that he most proceed with his defence.

At that point, Ikpeazu, who acknowledged that the lawyers were no longer representing the defendant, pleaded with the court to give Kanu some time to gather his thoughts and compose himself for his defence.

Since the prosecution did not object, Omotosho adjourned till Friday, October 24 for Kanu to open his defence.

Kanu was first arrested in 2015 but fled the country after being granted bail in 2017. He was later re-arrested in 2021 and has since remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The federal government has maintained its charges against Kanu, accusing the separatist of inciting violence through IPOB’s activities and calling for the secession of the south-east region from Nigeria.