Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has decided to represent himself in his ongoing trial after his entire legal team withdrew from the case.
At Thursday’s session of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Kanu’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the court that his client had chosen to conduct his own defence. Other senior advocates on the team also announced their withdrawal, a decision Kanu confirmed in person.
When asked by the presiding judge if he wanted a lawyer assigned to him, Kanu declined, insisting on defending himself for now but leaving open the possibility of hiring new counsel later.
Arguing orally, the IPOB leader challenged the court’s jurisdiction to try him, maintaining that the proceedings were unconstitutional.
Kanu, who was first arrested in 2015 and re-arrested in 2021 after fleeing the country, remains in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). He faces charges bordering on treasonable felony and terrorism for allegedly inciting violence and calling for the secession of Nigeria’s south-east region.
In a fresh application filed earlier this week, Kanu informed the court of his readiness to proceed with his defence. He listed two sets of witnesses, “ordinary but material” and “vital and compellable” — under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.
Among the high-profile names he intends to call as “vital and compellable” witnesses are Theophilus Danjuma, former Minister of Defence; Tukur Buratai, former Chief of Army Staff; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma; and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Others include former Abia governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Works Minister Dave Umahi, former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, ex-NIA Director-General Ahmed Rufai, former DSS chief Yusuf Bichi, and current DSS DG Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi.
Kanu has requested 90 days to conclude his self-defence, citing the volume of evidence and the number of witnesses he intends to present.
