The ongoing trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, took an unexpected twist on Thursday as he abruptly dismissed his legal team in court.
During Thursday’s proceedings, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, who had served as the lead counsel, formally announced his withdrawal from the case. All other Senior Advocates of Nigeria on Kanu’s defence team including Onyechi Ikpeazu, Paul Erokoro, Joseph Akubo, and Emeka Etiaba also withdrew their appearances from the suit.
Confirming the development, Kanu told the court he would personally handle his defence for now. “I will be representing myself for now,” he said, adding that the situation “might change later.”
When the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, asked if he wanted the court to assign him a new lawyer, Kanu declined, insisting that he would continue to argue his own case.
Kanu commenced arguing saying that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him on the seven-count terrorism-related charge the Federal Government preferred against him.
Kanu, who has remained in detention since his re-arrest in 2021, continues to face charges bordering on treasonable felony and incitement. His prolonged incarceration has sparked repeated calls for his release, including the recent #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held in Abuja on October 20, 2025, during which his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, his younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and about ten other supporters were arrested by security operatives while demanding his freedom.
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