Nnamdi Kanu to represent himself in court as lawyers bow out from trial

Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), has withdrawn from representing Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in his ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in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 is currently facing a seven-count terrorism charge filed by the Federal Government. During Thursday’s court session, Agabi formally informed the court of his decision to step down as lead counsel.

Agabi informed the court that his withdrawal followed Kanu’s decision to reclaim control of his case, indicating that the IPOB leader would henceforth handle his legal representation differently.

In the same manner, all the Senior Advocates of Nigeria involved in the matter case also announced their withdrawal from the case.

Kanu, confirming the development, told the court that he would be representing himself for now, but noted that the position might change later.

The trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, asked whether he should assign a lawyer to represent him, but the defendant (Kanu) declined.

Meanwhile, addressing the court orally, Kanu argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him.

Recall that Justice Omotosho, on October 16, granted the defendant six consecutive days, beginning from October 23, to open and close his defence in view of the accelerated hearing earlier granted in the case.