Detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu has dismissed his entire legal team, opting to represent himself in his ongoing trial.
At the resumed hearing on Thursday, Kanu informed the court that he was ready to defend himself. In response, all senior advocates in his team, led by Kanu Agabi SAN, announced their withdrawal from the case.
Agabi explained that the team, which included Onyechi Ikpeazu, Paul Erokoro, Joseph Akubo, and Emeka Etiaba, respected Kanu’s decision to take over his defence, saying, “The defendant has taken this case back from us and we respect that.”
Kanu then addressed the court from the dock, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to continue the trial. Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the matter, sought Kanu’s confirmation that he intended to conduct his defence personally, which Kanu affirmed. The judge ordered the remaining members of the defendant’s legal team, apart from the SANs, to vacate the courtroom.
Kanu began questioning the court’s jurisdiction, but the court overruled his objection and instructed him to proceed with his defence. Onyechi Ikpeazu intervened, noting that the withdrawal of the senior advocates took effect that morning and requested that Kanu be given time to prepare for self-representation.
The prosecution raised no objection, and Justice Omotosho adjourned the case to Friday, October 24, for Kanu to officially open his defence.
