In a surprising courtroom drama on Thursday, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, dismissed his entire legal team, led by former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Chief Godwin Kanu Agabi (SAN).
The incident occurred at the Federal High Court in Abuja shortly after Kanu was brought in by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) for the continuation of his terrorism trial.
Eyewitnesses reported that Kanu, after exchanging pleasantries with his lead counsel, suddenly informed him that he no longer required the services of the legal team and directed them to leave the court. He then collected his case file from Agabi, signalling the end of their representation.
Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the session, sought clarification directly from Kanu, who confirmed that he would henceforth represent himself. The judge suggested appointing a new lawyer for him, but Kanu declined the offer.
Following this development, Agabi formally announced the withdrawal of all Senior Advocates of Nigeria from the defence team.
Throughout the proceedings, Kanu repeatedly insisted that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him, maintaining his long-held position that his prosecution is illegal.
The IPOB leader is expected to open his defence in the terrorism case brought against him by the federal government, after his earlier no-case submission was dismissed by the court.
