The commencement of defence in the terrorism trial of the detained self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, was on Thursday halted following the sudden dismissal of his legal team.
Kanu was expected to begin his defence in his ongoing trial on Thursday.
However, when the case was called, Kanu Agabi (SAN), who had been leading Kanu’s legal team until that day, announced his and other Senior Advocates’ decision to withdraw from representing the defendant.
Agabi stated that the reason for their withdrawal “is because the defendant has taken this case back from us and we respect that.”
He went on to list the names of the other Senior Advocates who were also withdrawing from the case, including Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Joseph Akubo (SAN), Paul Erokoro (SAN), Emeka Etiaba (SAN), and one other.
After Agabi’s announcement, Justice James Omotosho turned to Kanu, who was standing in the dock, to seek his response.
Kanu confirmed that he had dismissed all his lawyers and informed the court that he was willing and ready to handle his case personally.
Justice Omotosho then directed other members of Kanu’s legal team who were still present in court, apart from the Senior Advocates, to leave the courtroom immediately.
The judge subsequently addressed the defendant and instructed him to begin his defence.
Kanu began by challenging the jurisdiction of the court to continue with his trial.
He was, however, overruled by the judge, who insisted that he must proceed with his defence.
At that stage, Ikpeazu intervened and reminded the court that their withdrawal as Kanu’s lawyers had only taken effect that Thursday morning.
He therefore requested that the court allow Kanu some time to gather his thoughts and prepare himself for the proceedings ahead.
The prosecuting counsel did not raise any objection to the request, after which Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until Friday, October 24, for Kanu to begin his defence.
