In a stunning courtroom development today, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), announced that he will now represent himself in his ongoing trial after his entire legal team formally withdrew from the case.
The lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that he and other Senior Advocates of Nigeria had applied to withdraw their representation, stating that the defendant had “taken the case back from them.” This move was confirmed by Kanu himself, who told the court, “I will be representing myself for now,” adding that the arrangement might change in the future.
When asked by the presiding judge whether he wished to have a court-appointed lawyer, Kanu declined the offer. He proceeded to argue orally on his own behalf, maintaining that the court lacked the jurisdiction to try him.
This dramatic shift marks a pivotal moment in the long-running legal battle between the Nigerian government and the IPOB leader, who faces a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism. The withdrawal of his legal team, which included several prominent Senior Advocates of Nigeria, has raised questions about the future direction of the trial and the implications for Kanu’s defense strategy.
Observers note that this move could be a calculated legal maneuver or a sign of deeper tensions within the defense team. The court has yet to issue a formal response to the withdrawal, and proceedings are expected to continue with Kanu acting as his own counsel.