Federal High Court Adjourns Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial Following Dismissal of Defence Team
The Federal High Court, Abuja, has adjourned the trial of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to Friday, 24 October, after he dismissed his entire team of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs).
The development came as a surprise when Kanu’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, SAN, announced his withdrawal from the matter, alongside other prominent Senior Advocates—Onyechi Ikpeazu, Joseph Akubo, Paul Erokoro, and Emeka Etiaba. Agabi informed the court that their withdrawal followed Kanu’s insistence on personally taking charge of his defence.
Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the matter, sought direct confirmation from Kanu. From the dock, the IPOB leader affirmed that he had indeed disengaged his lawyers and intended to represent himself. When asked whether he wished the court to assign him new counsel, Kanu declined.
Following this, Justice Omotosho directed the defence team to vacate the courtroom and invited Kanu to open his defence. Kanu, however, began by challenging the court’s jurisdiction. The objection was overruled, with the judge insisting that the trial must proceed.
At this stage, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, rose to clarify that the withdrawal of counsel had only taken effect that morning. He urged the court to grant Kanu sufficient time to prepare for self‑representation. The prosecution did not oppose the application.
In the interest of fair hearing, Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter to 24 October, when Kanu is expected to formally open his defence.
Kanu currently faces multiple charges, including treasonable felony and terrorism‑related offences, arising from his leadership of IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Meanwhile, in a related development, former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore, was arrested on Thursday by armed policemen shortly after attending the court session. Sowore, a vocal advocate for Kanu’s release, was reportedly accosted by security operatives and taken to the FCT Police Command.
