Kanu opens defence Friday after sacking lawyers

From Godwin Tsa, Abuja

Proceedings in the trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, were stalled following his sudden sacking of his legal team.

Kanu, who was scheduled to open his defence on Thursday, stunned the court when he announced his willingness to defend himself in the case filed against him by the federal government.

Consequently, his lead counsel and former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Kanu Agabi (SAN), announced his decision, with the other Senior Advocates in the team, to withdraw from the case.

Agabi explained that the reason for their withdrawal “is because the defendant has taken this case back from us and we respect that.”

He gave the names of the other SANs who are withdrawing to include: Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Joseph Akubo (SAN), Paul Erokoro (SAN), Emeka Etiaba (SAN) and one other.

Following Agabi’s announcement, Justice James Omotosho turned to Kanu, who was in the dock, for his response.

Kanu confirmed sacking all his lawyers and told the court that he was willing and ready to conduct his case by himself.

Justice Omotosho then ordered the other members of the defendant’s legal team who were in court, except the SANs, to vacate the courtroom immediately.

The judge then turned to the defendant and asked him to open his case.

Kanu commenced arguing about the jurisdiction of the court to further conduct his trial. He was subsequently overruled by the judge, who insisted that he must proceed with his defence.

At that point, Ikpeazu intervened and drew the attention of the court to the fact that their (Kanu’s lawyers’) withdrawal took effect on the morning of Thursday.

He prayed the court to grant Kanu some time to gather his thoughts and compose himself for the task ahead.

The prosecuting counsel did not object, following which Justice Omotosho adjourned the case till Friday, 24 October 2025, for Kanu to open his defence.