The trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, took a dramatic turn after his lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), and the entire defence team announced their withdrawal from the case.
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The sudden split leaves Kanu to represent himself as the Federal Government’s charges against him continue.
The lead counsel, Mr. Agabi, informed the court that he was stepping down because the defendant had “taken the case back from them.”
This position was corroborated by all other Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) who were part of the defence team, and the development was confirmed by Kanu himself.
Following the withdrawal of his lawyers, Nnamdi Kanu confirmed to the court that he would represent himself for the time being, though he noted this decision could change.
The presiding judge asked Kanu if he wished to be assigned a new lawyer by the court, but he declined the offer, choosing instead to proceed immediately with his own legal arguments.
Speaking orally without the aid of counsel, Kanu’s first line of defence was a direct challenge to the court’s authority, arguing that it lacked the jurisdiction to try him on the charges preferred by the Federal Government.
The matter is expected to proceed with Kanu continuing to act as his own counsel. DAILYPOST
