The terrorism charge against Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was on Thursday stalled at a Federal High Court in Abuja, following the sudden sack of his legal team.
Kanu was supposed to open his defense on Thursday, but rather than do that, he sacked his legal team, saying he was ready to personally defend himself.
When the case was called, Kanu Agabi (SAN), who had led Kanu’s legal team until Thursday, announced his decision, with other Senior Advocates in the team, to withdraw from the case.
Agabi explained that the reason for their withdrawal was “because the defendant has taken this case back from us and we respect that.”
He gave the names of the other SANs, who withdrew from the case to include: 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 in the dock, for his response.
Kanu confirmed sacking all his lawyers and told the court that he was willing and ready to conduct his case by himself.
Justice Omotosho then,ordered other members of the defendant’s legal team who were in court, except the SANs to vacate the courtroom immediately.
The judge then turned to the defendant and asked him to open his case.
Kanu commenced arguing about the jurisdiction of the court to further conduct his trial. He was subsequently overruled by the judge, who insisted that he must proceed with his defence.
At that point, Ikpeazu intervened and drew the attention of the court to the fact that their (Kanu’s lawyers) withdrawal took effect on the morning of Thursday.
He prayed the court to grant Kanu some time to gather his thoughts and compose himself for the task ahead.
The case was, therefore, adjourned to October 24 for Kanu to open his defence.
