Nnamdi Kanu Assumes Control of His Defense as Legal Team Withdraws

By our Correspondent

In a surprising twist at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), chose to represent himself after his lead counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Kanu Agabi, officially withdrew from the case. Following Agabi’s withdrawal, all other Senior Advocates on Kanu’s legal team also stepped down, leaving him to handle the high-profile trial on his own.

Addressing the court, Kanu confirmed his decision to personally conduct his defense, saying he would represent himself “for now,” while keeping the door open for possible legal assistance in the future. When the presiding judge offered to assign a new lawyer, Kanu declined. The development created a tense atmosphere in the courtroom, signaling both his determination and the daunting task ahead.

Legal experts have cautioned that self-representation in a case involving charges such as terrorism, incitement, and criminal conspiracy poses substantial risks. Nevertheless, Kanu’s move reflects his resolve to shape the direction of his defense, emphasizing his desire for autonomy in one of Nigeria’s most closely followed trials.

The decision comes against the backdrop of rising tensions surrounding his prolonged detention, which continues to attract national and international attention. Only days earlier, human rights activist Omoyele Sowore was arrested at the same court while showing solidarity with Kanu, further fueling debates on judicial transparency and civil rights in Nigeria.

Kanu’s decision to take charge of his own defense has turned the trial into an extraordinary courtroom event where the defendant serves as his own advocate. Observers say the proceedings will challenge both the presiding judge’s discretion and the boundaries of self-representation under Nigerian law.

As the case progresses, public attention remains fixed on Kanu’s legal strategy, his next steps, and the broader implications for IPOB supporters, the Nigerian judiciary, and the nation’s democratic process. This dramatic development has added a new layer of intensity and intrigue to a trial already steeped in political and social significance.