Following the unexpected dismissal of his legal team on Thursday, the planned commencement of the defence by detained self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has been delayed.
Kanu was expected to begin his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial on Thursday.
When the case was called, Kanu Agabi (SAN), who had been leading Kanu’s legal team, announced his withdrawal from the case alongside other Senior Advocates on the team.
Agabi stated that their decision to withdraw “is because the defendant has taken this case back from us and we respect that.”
He listed the other withdrawing SANs as Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Joseph Akubo (SAN), Paul Erokoro (SAN), Emeka Etiaba (SAN), and one other.
Following the announcement, Justice James Omotosho addressed Kanu, who was in the dock, asking for his response.
Kanu confirmed that he had dismissed all his lawyers and expressed readiness to handle his defence personally.
Justice Omotosho then directed the remaining members of Kanu’s legal team, excluding the SANs, to leave the courtroom immediately.
The judge subsequently asked Kanu to proceed with his case.
Kanu began by contesting the court’s jurisdiction to continue the trial but was overruled by the judge, who instructed him to move forward with his defence.
At that point, Ikpeazu intervened, reminding the court that their withdrawal took effect earlier that Thursday morning. He requested that Kanu be granted time to organize his thoughts and prepare adequately for his defence.
The prosecuting lawyer did not oppose the request, leading Justice Omotosho to adjourn the case to Friday, October 24, for Kanu to begin his defence.