FCT, Abuja – The detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, defended himself in court after the withdrawal of his lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, and other legal team members.
Agabi stated that Nnamdi Kanu had sacked them and taken the case back from them.
Nnamdi Kanu announces the sack of his legal team
Nnamdi Kanu defends himself in court before Justice James Omotosho.
As reported by Channels Television, Onyechi Ikpeazu, Paul Erokoro, Joseph Akubo, and Emeka Etiaba, on the defense team have also withdrawn from the suit.
Kanu told the court that he would be representing himself for now, though that might change later.
The IPOB leader declined the offer when Justice James Omotosho asked if he should be assigned a lawyer.
Defending himself orally, Kanu argued that the court lacks the jurisdiction to try him. The court overruled him and asked him to proceed with his defence.
Agabi explained that the reason for their withdrawal “is because the defendant has taken this case back from us and we respect that.”
He told newsmen that Kanu has the right to defend himself and that they wish him well.
“A number of voices have been defending Nnamdi, and he has decided to conduct his defence by himself. He has the right to do so, we respect that decision, and we wish him well going forward.”
According to Daily Trust, Justice Omotosho then ordered other members of the defendant’s legal team who were in court, except the SANs, to vacate the courtroom immediately.
Ikpeazu drew the attention of the court to the fact that the legal team’s withdrawal took effect on the morning of Thursday, October 23, 2025.
He said Kanu would need some time to gather his thoughts and compose himself for the task ahead.
Justice Omotosho adjourned till Friday, October 24, 2025, for Kanu to open his defence as the prosecuting lawyer did not object.
IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu defends self in court
Nnamdi Kanu faces a judge without his lawyers in court.
Nnamdi Kanu mentions 2 ministers, 2 APC governors
Recall that Kanu named President Bola Tinubu’s ministers as his witnesses as he prepares to defend himself in his ongoing terrorism trial.
The embattled IPOB leader also mentioned two prominent governors from the Southeast and Southwest, under the umbrella of the ruling APC.
Kanu also mentioned several appointees of late President Muhammadu Buhari, including the former AGF, Abubakar Malami.
Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, brother are remanded in prison
Reported that twelve individuals, including Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer and brother, have been remanded in Kuje prison following a protest in Abuja.
They face charges bordering on inciting public disturbance and breaching the peace during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstration.
Allegations of political interference and judicial bias have emerged as critics condemn the court’s decision.
