Former lead counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), has announced his withdrawal from the case following Kanu’s decision to personally handle his defense.
Agabi made this known on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Kanu appeared for the continuation of his trial on terrorism-related charges.
Speaking with journalists after the court session, Agabi stated that the legal team fully respected Kanu’s choice to represent himself.
“He has decided to conduct his defence by himself. He has a right to do so. We respect that decision and wish him well going forward,” Agabi said.
Earlier in court, Kanu informed the presiding judge of his decision to take charge of his own defence, prompting Agabi and other members of his legal team to formally withdraw from the case.
Addressing the court, Agabi explained that the entire defence team was stepping down in light of Kanu’s decision. All the Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) previously representing him also confirmed their withdrawal during the proceedings.
Kanu, while addressing the judge, said he had chosen to represent himself “for now,” noting that he might reconsider the decision later.
When asked by the presiding judge whether he wanted the court to assign him another lawyer, Kanu declined, insisting he would continue to defend himself.
Arguing orally, Kanu maintained that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to try him on the charges filed by the Nigerian government.