Court Postpones Kanu’s Defence To Friday After He Dismisses His Legal Team.

Kanu.

The scheduled commencement of defence in the terrorism case involving the detained self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, was on Thursday disrupted following his sudden decision to dismiss his lawyers.

Kanu was expected to open his defence in his ongoing trial on Thursday.

However, when proceedings began, Kanu Agabi (SAN), who had been leading the defence team up until that day, announced that he and other Senior Advocates had decided to withdraw from the case.

Agabi explained that their withdrawal “is because the defendant has taken this case back from us and we respect that.”

He also listed the names of other Senior Advocates withdrawing from the matter, including 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 standing in the dock, to seek clarification.

Kanu confirmed that he had dismissed all his lawyers and informed the court that he was ready and willing to handle his own defence.

Justice Omotosho then instructed all remaining members of Kanu’s legal team present in court, except the Senior Advocates, to leave the courtroom immediately.

The judge afterwards directed Kanu to begin his defence.

Kanu responded by challenging the jurisdiction of the court to continue the proceedings.

However, the judge overruled him and ordered that he proceed with his defence.

At that point, Ikpeazu intervened, informing the court that their withdrawal as Kanu’s counsel only took effect on Thursday morning.

He appealed to the court to grant Kanu some time to collect his thoughts and prepare for the defence.

The prosecution did not oppose the request, prompting Justice Omotosho to adjourn the case until Friday, October 24, for Kanu to commence his defence.