By Amah
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The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Thursday said he had dismissed his entire defence team and elected to conduct his defence by himself.
This was disclosed at his resumed trial for terrorism at the Federal High Court, Abuja, necessitating the adjournment of the matter to Friday, October 24, 2025.
Kanu Agabi (SAN), the leader of the entire defence team, told the court
during Thursday’s proceedings that they were withdrawing from the case because “the defendant has taken this case back from us, and we respect that.”
Consequently, the trial judge, Justice James Omotosho sought Kanu’s confirmation of the development, which he did, adding that he was ready to conduct his defence personally.
Omotosho then directed all remaining members of the defence team, excluding the withdrawing senior lawyers, to vacate the courtroom.
Kanu, when invited to open his defence, challenged the court’s jurisdiction to continue the trial, but the judge overruled him and insisted on continuing the proceedings.
Following a plea by Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), one of the withdrawing lawyers, that the court should grant Kanu some time to compose himself before continuing with his defence, Justice Omotosho adjourned the case until Friday, since prosecution did not object to the appeal.
