A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday adjourned the terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu until Friday after the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra sacked his legal team and declared his intention to represent himself.
During proceedings, Kanu’s lead lawyer Kanu Godwin Agabi SAN announced his withdrawal, as well as that of other senior advocates, following Kanu’s decision to take full control of his defence file. Agabi said:
“Because the defendant has taken this case back from us, we respect that.”
Kanu then confirmed in court:
“I have sacked my lawyers and I am ready to conduct my case by myself.”
As a result, trial judge James Omotosho ordered all remaining defence lawyers to vacate the dock except senior advocates, and insisted Kanu must open his defence. After a motion by former defence counsel Onyechi Ikpeazu SAN requesting time for Kanu to adjust, Omotosho adjourned the case to Friday, October 24.
The trial, now under intense public scrutiny, centres on a seven-count terrorism charge brought by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Kanu’s choice to represent himself highlights the high-stakes nature of the hearing and raises fresh questions about the state of judicial process in Nigeria.
