A Federal High court sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, October 23, 2025, adjourned till Friday to enable the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, begin his defence.
Kanu, who was scheduled to open his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial on Thursday, dramatically fired his legal team.
When the case was called, Kanu Agabi SAN, who was leading Kanu’s legal team, announced his decision, with other Senior Advocates in the team, to withdraw from the case.
Agabi explained that their withdrawal followed the decision of Kanu to take the case back from them, a decision he said they respect.
Agabi gave the name of the other SANs, withdrawing from the case to include: Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Joseph Akubo (SAN), Paul Erokoro (SAN), Emeka Etiaba (SAN) and one other.
Following Agabi’s announcement, Justice James Omotosho turned to Kanu, who was in the dock, for his response.
Kanu confirmed sacking all his lawyers, saying he was willing and ready to conduct his case by himself.
Accordingly, Justice Omotosho ordered other members of the defendant’s legal team who were in court, except the SANs to vacate the courtroom.
The judge thereafter turned to the defendant and asked him to open his case.
Kanu begin by arguing about the jurisdiction of the court to further conduct his trial, but was subsequently overruled by the judge, who insisted that he must proceed with his defence.
At that point, Ikpeazu intervened and drew the attention of the court to the fact that their (Kanu’s lawyers’) withdrawal took effect on the morning of Thursday.
He prayed the court to grant Kanu some time to gather his thoughts and compose himself for the task ahead.
Prosecuting lawyer did not object, following which Justice Omotosho adjourned till Friday, October 24 to enable the IPOB open his defence
