Yemi Obafemi
In a dramatic twist in his ongoing trial, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Thursday dismissed his entire legal team and informed the court that he would personally conduct his defence.
The decision came during the resumed hearing before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Kanu’s action prompted the team of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), led by Kanu Agabi (SAN), to formally withdraw from the case.
Announcing the team’s withdrawal, Agabi explained that their exit was in deference to the defendant’s decision to assume full control of his own defence.
Other senior lawyers affected by the withdrawal include Onyechi Ikpeazu, Paul Erokoro, Joseph Akubo, and Emeka Etiaba.
Upon confirmation from Kanu that he had indeed chosen to represent himself, Justice Omotosho ordered all other defence lawyers except the senior advocates to vacate the courtroom.
Kanu immediately began challenging the jurisdiction of the court to continue hearing the case, but the judge overruled his objection and directed him to commence his defence.
