Lead counsel to detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, Kanu Agabi (SAN), has formally applied to withdraw from representing him in court, citing that the defendant had taken the case back from his legal team.
All other Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) on the defense team have also withdrawn from the case — a move Kanu personally confirmed before the court.
During Tuesday’s hearing, the Biafran separatist leader informed the judge that he had chosen to represent himself for now, though he added that the situation might change later.
When the presiding judge asked if he wanted the court to assign a new lawyer to assist him, Kanu declined, insisting that he would handle his own defense.
Taking the floor to defend himself, Kanu argued orally that the court lacked jurisdiction to continue his trial, maintaining that his ongoing detention violated both domestic and international laws.
The withdrawal of Kanu’s legal team marks a dramatic twist in his long-running legal battle with the Federal Government, which accuses him of treasonable felony and other offenses linked to his leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)—a group proscribed by the Nigerian government.
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his rearrest in 2021, after being brought back from Kenya under controversial circumstances. His trial has faced multiple delays, legal objections, and changes in counsel over the years.
The sudden withdrawal of all SANs on his defense team has raised fresh concerns about the direction of the case and the defendant’s access to fair representation.
Court observers noted that Kanu appeared calm but firm while addressing the court, maintaining his stance on self-representation.
More details are expected to follow as the proceedings continue.
