By Muhammad Mamman
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday adjourned the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to Friday to allow him to begin his defence after dismissing his entire legal team.
Kanu, who was due to open his defence in his ongoing terrorism case, abruptly fired his lawyers in court.
Leading the defence team, Kanu Agabi (SAN) announced his withdrawal — along with fellow Senior Advocates Onyechi Ikpeazu, Joseph Akubo, Paul Erokoro, Emeka Etiaba, and another unnamed counsel — saying, “The defendant has taken this case back from us, and we respect that.”
Justice James Omotosho then asked Kanu to confirm the move. The IPOB leader affirmed that he had indeed dismissed his lawyers and intended to conduct his defence personally.
The judge ordered all remaining members of the defence team, apart from the Senior Advocates, to leave the courtroom before directing Kanu to proceed with his case.
Kanu began by challenging the court’s jurisdiction, but Justice Omotosho overruled him and insisted the trial continue.
Ikpeazu later appealed for an adjournment, explaining that their withdrawal only took effect that morning and asking for time for Kanu to compose himself. The prosecution did not object.
Justice Omotosho consequently adjourned proceedings until Friday, 24 October, for Kanu to open his defence.
