Lead counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, Kanu Agabi (SAN), has applied to withdraw from the case, stating that the defendant has taken over his own representation.
All the Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) on Kanu’s defence team have also withdrawn from the suit — a development Nnamdi Kanu himself confirmed in court.
Kanu informed the court that he would represent himself for the time being, although he might consider appointing new lawyers later.
When asked by the presiding judge whether he wanted the court to assign a lawyer to him, Kanu declined the offer.
“I will represent myself,” he told the court, arguing that the court lacks the jurisdiction to continue his trial.
The lead counsel’s withdrawal marks another turn in Kanu’s long-running legal battle. He has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest in June 2021 and faces multiple charges bordering on treason and terrorism.
Legal experts say his decision to self-represent could affect the pace of proceedings as the court determines the next steps in the case.
