The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to Friday, 24 October, for him to open his defence in the ongoing terrorism case against him.
Justice James Omotosho fixed the date after Kanu’s lead counsel, former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the court that he and other senior lawyers would be withdrawing from the case at the request of their client.
“We are withdrawing because the defendant has taken this case back from us, and we respect that,” Agabi told the court.
Following the withdrawal, all other Senior Advocates representing Kanu — including Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Paul Erokoro (SAN), and Emeka Etiaba (SAN) — also stepped down from the case.
Confirming the development, Kanu told the court that he had chosen to represent himself, at least temporarily. When Justice Omotosho asked if he wished to be assigned new counsel, the IPOB leader declined, stating that he was prepared to conduct his own defence.
The judge then ordered all other members of Kanu’s legal team, except the withdrawing Senior Advocates, to leave the courtroom and directed the defendant to begin his defence.
During the session, Kanu argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him — a claim Justice Omotosho dismissed, insisting that the trial must proceed.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, involves seven surviving counts of terrorism-related offences, including incitement, unlawful organisation management, and promotion of secession through Radio Biafra broadcasts between 2018 and 2021.
The Federal Government alleges that Kanu’s broadcasts from London incited violence in the South-East, encouraged attacks on security agents, and called for the creation of a separate Republic of Biafra.
Kanu has also filed a fresh motion notifying the court of his intention to call 23 witnesses, including several high-profile figures such as FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.).
Others listed include former Defence Minister Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd.), Minister of Works David Umahi, former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami (SAN), and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Magaji Bichi.
Kanu, who has been in custody since his extradition from Kenya in 2021, stated in his motion that he intends to testify personally and provide sworn statements to clarify the political context of his actions and statements.
The trial will resume on Friday, 24 October, for Kanu to begin his defence.
