Drama in Court as IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu Sacks Legal Team Mid-Trial

There was a dramatic twist at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, when the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, abruptly dismissed his team of lawyers, including his lead counsel and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Godwin Kanu Agabi (SAN).

The action stunned both the court and onlookers, marking yet another unexpected turn in the high-profile terrorism case instituted against him by the Federal Government.

The drama unfolded shortly after Department of State Services (DSS) operatives brought the separatist leader into the courtroom.

It was reported that after exchanging brief pleasantries with his legal team, Kanu reached for his case file, took it from Agabi, and quietly informed him that their services were no longer required.

“He whispered to the lead counsel that he would no longer need their representation and that they could leave the courtroom,” a source close to the proceedings told PUNCH.

The message was subsequently relayed to Justice James Omotosho, the trial judge, who immediately sought clarification from Kanu.

When asked if he indeed intended to proceed without a lawyer, the IPOB leader confirmed his decision, firmly rejecting the court’s offer to assign him new counsel.

Following Kanu’s insistence, Agabi, SAN, formally announced the withdrawal of all Senior Advocates of Nigeria representing the IPOB leader in the terrorism trial.

Their exit threw the courtroom into momentary silence as Kanu continued to assert that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to try him.

“This court has no jurisdiction to try me,” Kanu reportedly shouted repeatedly as his lawyers exited the courtroom.

Justice Omotosho appealed for calm, assuring that the court would ensure Kanu’s rights were protected despite his decision to self-represent. The judge reminded him that he would soon be expected to open his defence in the terrorism charges filed against him by the Federal Government.

Kanu, who previously lost his no-case submission, will now proceed to defend himself in a case that has stretched for years amid multiple adjournments, appeals, and allegations of procedural breaches.

The Federal Government accuses Kanu of running a proscribed organization, IPOB, and of inciting violence in the South-East region through his broadcasts. He was first arrested in 2015, later released on bail, and subsequently re-arrested in 2021 after fleeing the country.