Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), has officially stepped down as lead counsel for Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in his ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu, who is facing a seven-count charge of terrorism brought by the Federal Government, opted to take control of his case, prompting Agabi and all other Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) on the defence team to withdraw.
Kanu confirmed in court that he would represent himself for the time being, though he left open the possibility of engaging new counsel later.
When Justice James Omotosho offered to assign a lawyer to him, Kanu declined, instead challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case.
This follows an earlier directive by Justice Omotosho on October 16, granting Kanu six consecutive days, starting October 23, to open and close his defence as part of an accelerated hearing schedule.
