The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to Friday, October 24, following his decision to dismiss his entire team of Senior Advocates.
The courtroom was filled with shock when Kanu’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, SAN, declared his withdrawal along with other notable Senior Advocates, such as Onyechi Ikpeazu, Joseph Akubo, Paul Erokoro, and Emeka Etiaba. Agabi told the court that their choice stemmed from Kanu’s determination to reclaim complete authority over his case.
Justice James Omotosho, who is overseeing the case, addressed Kanu directly to verify the information. From the dock, the IPOB leader confirmed that he had indeed fired his lawyers and was ready to defend himself.
When questioned about whether he wanted the court to appoint new counsel for him, Kanu strongly refused.
Afterward, Justice Omotosho instructed the remaining defence team members to leave the courtroom and asked Kanu to begin his defence.
However, Kanu started by contesting the court’s authority to proceed with the trial. The judge rejected his objection, maintaining that the case had to continue.
As the atmosphere in the proceedings grew strained, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, rose to point out to the court that the team’s withdrawal had only occurred that morning.
He requested that the judge allow Kanu adequate time to collect his thoughts and prepare to represent himself. The prosecution raised no objection to the request.
Justice Omotosho accepted the appeal and postponed the case until Friday, October 24, at which point Kanu is anticipated to start his defence.
The IPOB leader is facing several charges, including treasonable felony and terrorism-related offenses, linked to his role in leading the group and its armed branch, the Eastern Security Network.
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