Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on Thursday announced the dismissal of his legal team led by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu informed trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, that he had decided to represent himself, stating that he no longer wished to be represented by any lawyer. Following his announcement, Agabi and other senior advocates in the defence team formally withdrew from the case.
The development came during a hearing scheduled for Kanu to open his defence in the terrorism case against him. From the dock, he again challenged the court’s jurisdiction to try him—an objection he has repeatedly raised since the case began. His previous challenges were dismissed by former trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, before the matter was reassigned to Justice Omotosho.
Kanu’s decision surprised observers, especially as it came less than 24 hours after a meeting with his legal team to prepare for Thursday’s proceedings. It also followed a protest in Abuja on Monday, led by activist Omoyele Sowore, demanding his unconditional release.
This latest twist adds to the complex history of Kanu’s trial, which began in 2015 and has passed through four different judges and several defence teams.
Long Legal Battle
Kanu was first arrested in September 2015 over his broadcasts advocating for the secession of the South-East from Nigeria to form the Republic of Biafra. He was granted bail in 2017 but fled the country after a military raid on his home in Abia State that same year.
His trial stalled until his re-arrest and return to Nigeria in June 2021. He is facing terrorism-related charges accusing him of inciting violence and destruction across South-East states.
In October 2022, the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted Kanu, ruling that his extraordinary rendition from Kenya to Nigeria was illegal. However, the Supreme Court overturned that decision in December 2023, allowing the trial to continue. The apex court held that no Nigerian law bars the use of evidence obtained through an unlawful process.
The prosecution has since presented five witnesses and closed its case, paving the way for Kanu to open his defence.
Kanu’s New Defence Plan
In a motion he personally signed on 21 October, Kanu listed several high-profile individuals he intends to call as witnesses. The list includes former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, former Chiefs of Army Staff Theophilus Danjuma and Tukur Buratai, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma.
Others named are Minister of Works Dave Umahi, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, and former Director-General of the State Security Service Yusuf Bichi.
Kanu assured the court that he would submit sworn statements from voluntary witnesses and notify the prosecution accordingly.
On Wednesday, a day before his announcement, Kanu had met privately with his legal team in the courtroom as permitted by Justice Omotosho, after being brought in by operatives of the State Security Service (SSS).
