Court Adjourns Trial After Nnamdi Kanu Sacked Legal Team
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that the planned commencement of defence by the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, was on Thursday stalled after he abruptly dismissed his entire legal team.
Kanu was expected to open his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial before the Federal High Court, Abuja. However, when the case was called, his lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the court that he and other Senior Advocates representing Kanu had decided to withdraw from the matter.
Agabi explained that the decision followed Kanu’s directive reclaiming full control of his case.
“The defendant has taken this case back from us, and we respect that,” Agabi told the court.
He listed other Senior Advocates withdrawing from the defence as Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Joseph Akubo (SAN), Paul Erokoro (SAN), Emeka Etiaba (SAN), and one other.
Following the announcement, Justice James Omotosho asked Kanu to confirm the development. Kanu, standing in the dock, affirmed that he had indeed relieved his lawyers of their duties and declared his intention to personally conduct his defence.
Justice Omotosho subsequently ordered all other members of Kanu’s legal team present in court—apart from the Senior Advocates—to vacate the courtroom.
When the judge directed Kanu to proceed with his defence, the IPOB leader instead began challenging the court’s jurisdiction to continue hearing the matter. The judge, however, overruled him and insisted that he must go on with his defence.
At that point, Ikpeazu (SAN) intervened, reminding the court that their formal withdrawal had only taken effect that morning. He pleaded that Kanu be given time to collect his thoughts and prepare adequately to represent himself.
The prosecution did not oppose the application, prompting Justice Omotosho to adjourn proceedings until Friday, October 24, to allow Kanu time to open his defence.
