Nnamdi Kanu’s Lead Counsel, Kanu Agabi, Withdraws From IPOB Leader’s Terrorism Trial

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and lead counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, Kanu Agabi (SAN), has withdrawn from representing the separatist leader in his ongoing terrorism trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

At Thursday’s hearing, Agabi informed the court that he and his team would no longer continue with the case, stating that the defendant had decided to take back control of his legal representation.

Following Agabi’s announcement, all other Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) involved in Kanu’s defence equally withdrew from the matter.

Confirming the development, Nnamdi Kanu told the court he would represent himself for now, though he noted that his position could change later.

Presiding Judge Justice James Omotosho asked whether the court should assign a lawyer to represent Kanu, but the IPOB leader declined the offer.

During the session, Kanu began addressing the court directly, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him on the terrorism charges filed by the Federal Government.

Earlier, on October 16, Justice Omotosho had granted the defendant six consecutive days starting from October 23 to open and close his defence in the ongoing trial, which the court had agreed to hear under accelerated proceedings.

As part of his defence, Kanu had previously listed several prominent figures, including former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, Minister of Works Dave Umahi, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), and former Minister of Defence Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), among others, as witnesses.