Detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Thursday appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja to open his defence in the terrorism case instituted against him by the Federal Government.
The proceedings took a dramatic turn when Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), applied to withdraw from representing him, stating that the defendant had “taken the case back” from the legal team. Other Senior Advocates on the defence team also withdrew their representation.
Confirming the development, Kanu told the court that he would represent himself for now, although that might change later. When asked by the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, if he wanted a lawyer assigned to him, Kanu declined the offer.
Defending himself orally, Kanu argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him in the ongoing terrorism case.
The IPOB leader has listed several high-profile individuals — including former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Minister of Works Dave Umahi, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), and former Minister of Defence Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) — among his proposed witnesses.
The trial continues.
