The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has dismissed his legal team and informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that he will personally conduct his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial.
At Thursday’s proceedings before Justice James Omotosho, the lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), announced his withdrawal from the case, stating that his client had decided to take full control of his legal defence.
All the other Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) on Kanu’s defence team including Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Joseph Akubo (SAN), Paul Erokoro (SAN), and Emeka Etiaba (SAN) — also formally withdrew from the case.
Confirming the development in court, Kanu told Justice Omotosho that he would represent himself “for now,” declining the judge’s offer to appoint a lawyer for him.
Taking the floor, the IPOB leader immediately challenged the court’s jurisdiction to try him, arguing that his detention and trial were unconstitutional. However, the court overruled his objection and directed him to proceed with his defence.
Outside the courtroom, Agabi explained to journalists that Kanu’s decision to act as his own counsel was final and would be respected by his legal team.
“A number of voices have been defending Nnamdi, and he has decided to conduct his defence by himself. He has the right to do so, and we respect that decision. We wish him well going forward,” Agabi said.
During the session, Justice Omotosho ordered all other members of the defence team who were not SANs to vacate the courtroom following their withdrawal. The judge then instructed Kanu to proceed with his defence in person.
Ikpeazu, one of the withdrawing lawyers, informed the court that their decision took effect Thursday morning and requested that Kanu be given some time to “gather his thoughts” before continuing with the trial.
The prosecution did not object to the request, prompting the court to adjourn the case until Friday, October 24, for Kanu to open his defence.
In a separate motion filed personally before the court, Kanu indicated his readiness to begin trial proceedings “pursuant to the order of this honourable court made on October 16, 2025.”
He revealed plans to call 23 witnesses to testify on his behalf, describing them as “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable” individuals who would be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.
Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his rearrest and extradition to Nigeria in 2021, faces multiple terrorism-related charges brought by the Federal Government.
His decision to dismiss his entire legal team marks a dramatic turn in a case that has drawn national and international attention.
Observers say Kanu’s choice to represent himself could significantly affect the pace and strategy of his trial in the coming weeks.
