Former lead counsel to the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), has confirmed that Kanu has chosen to represent himself in his ongoing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
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Agabi made the statement on Thursday, shortly after formally withdrawing from the case alongside other members of Kanu’s legal team, following the IPOB leader’s decision to personally conduct his defence on terrorism-related charges.
Speaking to journalists outside the courtroom, Agabi said, “He has decided to conduct his defence by himself. He has a right to do so. We respect that decision; we wish him well going forward.”
Earlier in court, Kanu informed the presiding judge of his decision, prompting Agabi and the rest of the defence team, including all the Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) previously representing him, to formally step down. Kanu confirmed in open court that he would handle his defence “for now,” while reserving the option to revisit that decision later.
When asked by the judge whether he wanted another lawyer assigned to him, Kanu declined, insisting on continuing his self-representation.
During his oral submissions, Kanu challenged the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to try him on the charges brought by the Federal Government, marking the beginning of his personal defence in the high-profile trial.
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