The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled Friday for Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to begin his defence against a seven-count terrorism-related charge brought by the Federal Government.
The adjournment follows Kanu’s decision to dismiss his legal team, including former Attorney-General of the Federation and lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), who announced his withdrawal during Thursday’s proceedings.
Agabi stated that Kanu had taken control of the case and retrieved the case file from him and other senior lawyers.
Justice James Omotosho subsequently directed all previously representing lawyers to vacate the courtroom, allowing only Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) to remain.
Kanu, now representing himself, argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to continue the trial, but Justice Omotosho overruled him, insisting that the defence must proceed.
However, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), one of the withdrawing lawyers, successfully requested additional time for Kanu to prepare, leading to the adjournment.
Kanu, detained since 2021, has filed a motion seeking a 90-day extension to conclude his defence, citing the need to summon 23 witnesses, including high-profile individuals such as Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, and retired military officials like Gen. Tukur Buratai and Gen.
Theophilus Danjuma. Kanu described these witnesses as “vital and compellable” and urged the court to issue subpoenas to ensure their attendance. He also hinted at calling additional unnamed witnesses to support his case.