Ex-AGF Kanu Agabi withdraws as Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, IPOB leader opts to defend himself in court
A former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, has formally withdrawn his appearance for the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The senior advocate, who previously led Kanu’s legal team, announced his decision to step down during Thursday’s resumed hearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu Agabi steps down from legal representation
Chief Agabi informed the court that he and other senior lawyers representing the IPOB leader had been relieved of their duties after Kanu chose to personally take over his own defence. The decision was made known shortly after the commencement of proceedings before Justice James Omotosho.
Agabi, a respected legal luminary who once served as Attorney General and Minister of Justice under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, stated that Kanu collected his case file and informed him that he would represent himself going forward.
Confirming the development from the dock, Nnamdi Kanu told the presiding judge that he had decided to personally handle his defence, declining any further legal representation. His statement formally marked the end of Agabi’s role as lead counsel in the ongoing terrorism-related trial.
Nnamdi Kanu to represent himself in terrorism trial
Following the withdrawal of his legal team, Kanu reaffirmed his intention to act as his own lawyer in court. Justice Omotosho offered to appoint a new legal representative for him, but the IPOB leader rejected the offer, insisting on self-representation.
In his first submission as his own counsel, Kanu challenged the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to continue trying him on the seven-count charge filed by the Federal Government. The charges, which include allegations of terrorism, incitement, and membership of a proscribed organization, have been a major point of contention between Kanu’s defence and federal prosecutors since his arrest and detention in 2021.
Kanu requests 90 days to prepare his defence
Nnamdi Kanu has also filed a new motion before the court, seeking an extension of time to enable him to prepare and present his defence adequately. In the motion dated October 21 and marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, Kanu requested a 90-day period to allow him to open and conclude his defence, citing the large number and high profile of witnesses he intends to call.
The IPOB leader argued that the initial six-day period granted by the court would be insufficient, given that several of his proposed witnesses include sitting governors, ministers, and former senior security officials whose testimonies, he said, are critical to his case.
List of witnesses includes top political and military figures
In his witness list, Kanu named several prominent Nigerians whom he described as “vital and compellable witnesses.” Among them are the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma; the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Others on the list include the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami; former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd); Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; immediate past Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu; former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd); former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; and former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi.
Kanu has asked the court to issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of these witnesses, stating that their testimonies would help establish his innocence regarding the terrorism-related charges.
Background of Kanu’s detention and ongoing trial
Nnamdi Kanu has been in detention since 2021 following his arrest and extradition to Nigeria from Kenya. He is facing multiple charges brought by the Federal Government, including terrorism and incitement related to his activities as the leader of IPOB, which has been proscribed as an unlawful organization in Nigeria.
Kanu has consistently maintained his innocence, claiming that his advocacy for self-determination in the South-East is legitimate and non-violent. His trial has drawn national and international attention, with several human rights groups calling for his release and a fair hearing.
Court proceedings continue amid legal drama
The court is expected to rule soon on Kanu’s latest motions, including his request for more time to prepare his defence and his challenge to the court’s jurisdiction. Legal analysts say Kanu’s decision to represent himself adds a new layer of complexity to an already high-profile case, raising questions about his legal strategy and the potential implications for the trial’s outcome.
Meanwhile, Chief Kanu Agabi’s withdrawal marks the end of a significant chapter in the defence of the IPOB leader. His departure underscores the growing tensions within Kanu’s legal camp and the activist’s determination to take full control of his case.
