Drama in Court as Kanu Fires Lawyers, Decides to Defend Himself

Abuja, FCT — The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to Friday, to allow him prepare for his defence after dismissing his entire legal team and choosing to represent himself.

At Thursday’s resumed proceedings, former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), who had been leading Kanu’s defence, announced his formal withdrawal from the case.

Agabi told the court that Kanu personally took the case file from him and the other senior advocates on the team, having decided to conduct his own defence.[irp]

Following the disclosure, Justice James Omotosho ordered all lawyers previously representing Kanu to vacate the courtroom, leaving only the Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) who had already appeared.

With the lawyers’ exit, the judge directed Kanu to proceed with his defence.

Kanu Challenges Court’s Jurisdiction

In his first submission as his own counsel, Kanu challenged the jurisdiction of the court to continue hearing the case. However, Justice Omotosho overruled his objection and insisted that the IPOB leader must open his defence.

The situation was later calmed after one of the senior lawyers, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), pleaded with the court to grant Kanu a brief adjournment to “gather his thoughts” and prepare adequately.

Dr. Ikpeazu noted that the withdrawal of Kanu’s legal team only took effect on Thursday morning. The request was not opposed by the Federal Government’s lead prosecutor, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), prompting the court to adjourn the case until Friday.[irp]

Kanu Lists Top Politicians, Ex-Security Chiefs as Witnesses

In a separate motion personally signed by him and filed before the court, Kanu named 23 high-profile Nigerians, including serving governors, ministers, and ex-security chiefs, as witnesses he intends to call in his defence.

He requested a 90-day period to open and conclude his case, saying the initial six days granted by the court were insufficient given the “number and status” of witnesses he plans to summon.

Those listed include:

• Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State

• Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State

• Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory

• Abubakar Malami, immediate past Attorney General of the Federation

• Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), former Chief of Army Staff

• Dave Umahi, Minister of Works

• Okezie Ikpeazu, former Governor of Abia State

• Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), former Minister of Defence

• Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA)

• Yusuf Bichi, former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS)

Kanu urged the court to issue subpoenas to compel their attendance, arguing that their testimonies would establish his innocence in the seven-count terrorism-related charge brought against him by the Federal Government.[irp]

The case, filed under FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, will resume on Friday for continuation of proceedings.