Court Adjourns Until Friday for Kanu to Open Defence After His Lawyers Withdraw

The planned commencement of defence by Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was delayed on Thursday following the sudden withdrawal of his legal team.

Kanu was expected to open his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial. However, when the case was called, Kanu’s lead counsel, Nnamdi Kanu Agabi (SAN), announced that he and other Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) on the team were withdrawing.

Agabi explained that the withdrawal was prompted by Kanu taking full control of his defence. The other SANs withdrawing included Onyechi Ikpeazu, Joseph Akubo, Paul Erokoro, Emeka Etiaba, and one other.

Following this, Justice James Omotosho addressed Kanu in the dock. Kanu confirmed that he had dismissed all his lawyers and said he was ready to represent himself. The judge then instructed the remaining members of Kanu’s legal team, excluding the SANs, to leave the courtroom.

Kanu attempted to challenge the court’s jurisdiction to continue the trial, but the judge overruled him and insisted that he proceed with his defence.

SAN Onyechi Ikpeazu requested that Kanu be granted time to prepare following their withdrawal that morning. The prosecution did not object.

Justice Omotosho subsequently adjourned the trial until Friday, October 24, for Kanu to officially open his defence.