Tension returned to the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday as Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), dismissed his entire legal team led by former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), and announced that he would defend himself.
The dramatic twist came just as the court was set to open Kanu’s defence in his ongoing terrorism trial. Agabi, flanked by several senior lawyers, informed Justice James Omotosho that his team was withdrawing from the case following Kanu’s decision to personally handle his defence.
“The reason for our withdrawal is because the defendant has taken this case back from us, and we respect that,” Agabi told the court.
Other Senior Advocates who withdrew include Onyechi Ikpeazu, Paul Erokoro, Emeka Etiaba, Joseph Akubo, and one other counsel. Justice Omotosho granted their request, directing that all senior lawyers withdraw from the courtroom immediately.
When asked to respond, Kanu confirmed the development, saying he would conduct his own defence. He immediately began by challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter — an objection swiftly overruled by the judge.
Kanu Names Ministers, Governors as Witnesses
Kanu also filed a fresh motion dated October 21, requesting that the court summon 23 prominent Nigerians as witnesses.
Among those listed are Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, and former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd).
He also named Works Minister Dave Umahi, former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, retired Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, former NIA Director-General Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, and ex-DSS boss Yusuf Bichi.
Kanu described them as “vital and compellable witnesses,” urging the court to issue subpoenas to secure their attendance. He requested a 90-day extension to conclude his defence, citing the complexity and prominence of his witnesses.
Justice Omotosho adjourned proceedings to Friday, October 24, allowing Kanu time to “compose himself for the task ahead.”
Sowore Arrested After Court Visit
Meanwhile, human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was arrested shortly after attending Kanu’s trial.
Earlier in the day, Sowore had shared a video of his encounter with Kanu, writing on 𝕏: “Finally, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and I met at the Federal High Court today. The man is powerful and unrelenting. We greeted and hugged and the bond is strong!”
Moments after leaving the courtroom, he was reportedly approached by police officers and taken into custody.
Sources said the arrest was connected to the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest he led on Monday in Abuja, which coincided with the fifth anniversary of the EndSARS movement.
That protest saw the arrest of 13 activists, including Kanu’s brother and lawyer, who were arraigned before a Kuje Magistrate Court and remanded in prison.
Sowore had left tongues wagging how he, the arrowhead of the protest, escaped arrest, but Kanu’s brother and his defence lawyer were detained. Sowore’s associate later claimed the FCT Commissioner of Police had earlier invited the activist but was “going to honour the invitation when the officers picked him up.”
Nnamdi Kanu remains in detention following his 2021 arrest in Kenya from where he was extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria — a move his supporters and international observers have repeatedly condemned as unlawful.
Could his decision to defend himself change the course of one of Nigeria’s most politically charged and consequential trials? Do you think the judicial system will grant him the unfettered freedom to express his political views and potentially divulge sensitive information regarding his self-determination agitations?
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