The Federal High Court in Abuja has set Friday for the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to open his defence against the seven-count terrorism charge filed by the Federal Government.
The adjournment followed Kanu’s decision to dismiss his legal team and personally conduct his own defence.
At Thursday’s proceedings, former Attorney General of the Federation and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Kanu Agabi, formally withdrew from representing the IPOB leader, revealing that Kanu had taken back the case file and chosen to act as his own counsel.
Justice James Omotosho directed all lawyers previously representing Kanu to vacate the courtroom, allowing only the SANs to remain.
Kanu immediately challenged the court’s jurisdiction to continue his trial but was overruled by Justice Omotosho, who insisted that the defendant must proceed with his defence.
A brief adjournment until Friday was later granted after Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, pleaded for time to allow Kanu to prepare, noting that his legal team’s withdrawal had only taken effect that morning.
Kanu, detained since 2021, has submitted a motion seeking a 90-day period to present his defence, arguing that he intends to call 23 high-profile witnesses, including sitting governors, ministers, and former security chiefs.
He contends that their testimonies will prove his innocence and has asked the court to issue subpoenas compelling their attendance.
The motion, dated October 21 and marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, emphasizes that Kanu may also summon additional witnesses beyond those listed, asserting that their evidence is crucial to his case.
Advertisement