Kanu Agabi, former Attorney-General of the Federation and lead counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), formally withdrew from representing him in his ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday.
Kanu, who is facing a seven-count charge related to terrorism filed by the Federal Government, has now opted to represent himself.
During the court session, Agabi informed the judge that Kanu had decided to take control of the case, prompting the withdrawal of all Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) involved in the defence team.
While confirming the development, Kanu stated that he would handle his defence for now but left open the possibility of engaging a lawyer later. Justice James Omotosho offered to assign legal counsel to Kanu, but the IPOB leader declined.
In his oral submission, Kanu challenged the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case. This follows Justice Omotosho’s earlier directive, issued on October 16, granting Kanu six consecutive days starting October 23 to present and conclude his defence under an accelerated hearing arrangement.
