The Federal High Court in Abuja has given the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, 24 hours to open his defence in the terrorism charges filed against him by the Federal Government or risk waiving the opportunity.
Justice James Omotosho issued the directive on Thursday after a dramatic turn of events in which Kanu sacked his entire legal team, led by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi (SAN).
When the case was called, Agabi announced, alongside five other Senior Advocates of Nigeria—Onyechi Ikpeazu, Joseph Akubo, Paul Erokoro, Emeka Etiaba, and another unnamed SAN—that they were withdrawing from the case.
Explaining their decision, Agabi told the court that Kanu had decided to personally take over his case, a decision they respected.
Justice Omotosho then asked Kanu to confirm the development, and the IPOB leader affirmed that he had dismissed all his lawyers and was prepared to conduct his defence on his own.
The judge subsequently directed all members of the defence team, except the withdrawing SANs, to vacate the courtroom before inviting Kanu to begin his defence.
Kanu, however, began by challenging the court’s jurisdiction to continue the trial, a motion the judge swiftly overruled, insisting the proceedings must go on.
At that point, Ikpeazu (SAN) reminded the court that their withdrawal had taken effect earlier that morning and pleaded that Kanu be given time to compose himself and prepare for his defence.
Prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), raised no objection to the plea. Consequently, Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until Friday, October 24, to enable Kanu to open his defence.