In a surprising courtroom drama on Thursday, detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, dismissed his legal team led by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), during his ongoing terrorism trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu, who was brought to court by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), reportedly told Agabi that he no longer required his services and would henceforth represent himself.
The development occurred shortly after Kanu exchanged pleasantries with his counsel. He then took his case file from Agabi and directed his legal team to withdraw from the proceedings.
When informed of the situation, the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, sought confirmation from Kanu, who affirmed that he would personally handle his defence. The judge’s offer to assign him a lawyer was declined.
Following Kanu’s decision, Agabi formally announced his withdrawal and that of all Senior Advocates of Nigeria representing the IPOB leader.
Throughout the proceedings, Kanu maintained that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him on the terrorism charges filed by the Federal Government.
The IPOB leader is expected to open his defence after his earlier no-case submission was dismissed by the court.
