The lead counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), has withdrawn from representing him in court.
Agabi told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the defendant had decided to take back control of his case, leading to the withdrawal of all the Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) who were part of the defence team.
Confirming the development, Kanu told the court that he would represent himself for now. When the presiding judge asked if he wanted a lawyer to be assigned to him, Kanu politely declined, saying he would continue on his own.
During the proceedings, Kanu argued orally that the court had no jurisdiction to try him. He maintained that his continued detention and trial were politically motivated and unconstitutional.
The development comes amid renewed tension over Kanu’s case. POLITICS NIGERIA gathers that earlier this month, security operatives dispersed protesters in Abuja who were demanding his release. According to reports, the police fired tear gas and arrested several demonstrators near the court premises.
In recent rulings, the court had also rejected some evidence presented by the Federal Government, saying the statements were obtained without legal representation for Kanu.
Kanu’s decision to dismiss his lawyers marks another dramatic turn in his long-running legal battle with the Nigerian government.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.
