The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to Friday, October 24, following the sudden withdrawal of his legal team.
The presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, fixed the new date after Kanu’s lead counsel and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the court that the defence team would be stepping down from the case at the request of their client.
Kanu, who is currently facing a seven-count terrorism-related charge filed by the Federal Government, confirmed the withdrawal, stating that he would represent himself “for now.”
“We are withdrawing because the defendant has taken this case back from us, and we respect that,” Agabi told Hobnob News.
Other members of Kanu’s legal team — including Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Paul Erokoro (SAN), and Emeka Etiaba (SAN) — also withdrew their appearances in court.
Justice Omotosho then directed Kanu to proceed with his defence, but after a brief exchange, the court granted an adjournment to allow him time to prepare.
Background of the Case
Kanu is being tried on terrorism, incitement, and unlawful broadcast charges under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and other related laws. The charges stem from his alleged inciting broadcasts on Radio Biafra between 2018 and 2021, which the Federal Government claims encouraged attacks on security personnel and public facilities.
Originally arrested in October 2015 and charged with treasonable felony, Kanu was granted bail in 2017 but fled Nigeria after a military raid in Abia State. He was re-arrested in Kenya and extradited to Nigeria in June 2021.
His legal journey has been turbulent — with the Court of Appeal once discharging him in October 2022 on the grounds of unlawful rendition — but the Supreme Court later reversed that decision in December 2023, ruling that the illegality of his extradition did not invalidate the charges against him.
Kanu’s Next Move
In a new motion filed earlier this week, Kanu revealed plans to call 23 witnesses, including prominent politicians and military figures such as Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd.), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), Nyesom Wike, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, David Umahi, Hope Uzodinma, and others.
He also requested a 90-day window to conclude his defence, pledging to testify personally and present sworn statements to refute the charges.
“I will testify on my own behalf, providing a sworn account of the facts, denying the allegations, and explaining the political context of my statements and actions,” Kanu stated in his motion.
The court will reconvene on Friday, October 24, when Kanu is expected to open his defence.
— Hobnob News
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