Court Adjourns Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial Till Friday After Lawyers Withdraw

The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), after his lawyers suddenly withdrew from the case on Thursday.

Kanu was expected to begin his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial, but the plan was disrupted when his lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), announced that he and other members of the legal team were pulling out.

Agabi told the court that their decision followed Kanu’s choice to take over the case himself, adding that they respected his wishes.

He listed other Senior Advocates withdrawing from the matter, including Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Joseph Akubo (SAN), Paul Erokoro (SAN), Emeka Etiaba (SAN), and one other.

After the announcement, Justice James Omotosho asked Kanu to confirm the situation. Kanu agreed that he had relieved his lawyers of their duties and expressed readiness to handle his own defence.

The judge ordered the remaining members of Kanu’s legal team, except the Senior Advocates, to leave the courtroom. Kanu then began to argue that the court lacked jurisdiction to continue the case, but Justice Omotosho overruled him and directed that the trial proceed.

Mr. Ikpeazu, one of the lawyers, pleaded with the court to allow Kanu some time to organize himself before starting his defence. The prosecution did not oppose the request.

Justice Omotosho subsequently adjourned the case till Friday, October 24, to enable Kanu to prepare and open his defence.