Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has dismissed his entire legal team during a session at the Federal High Court in Abuja, declaring that he will henceforth represent himself in his ongoing terrorism trial.
Kanu made the announcement after retrieving his case file from his lead counsel, former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), shortly after entering the courtroom under the escort of operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS).
The IPOB leader informed his lawyers that he no longer required their services, a message that was relayed to trial judge Justice James Omotosho, who confirmed the decision directly from Kanu. When the judge offered to assign him legal representation, Kanu declined.
Following his statement, Agabi formally announced the withdrawal of all the Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) on the defence team, effectively leaving Kanu without counsel.
During the proceedings, Kanu repeatedly insisted that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him.
The separatist leader is expected to open his defence in the federal government’s terrorism case against him after his earlier no-case submission was dismissed.
Kanu has been in DSS custody since 2021 following his arrest and extradition from Kenya.
