ABUJA, Nigeria — Kanu Agabi, lead counsel to the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has formally withdrawn from representing him in his ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Agabi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Attorney General of the Federation, informed the court that Kanu had taken back the case from his legal team.
He said all the SANs who had been part of the defence were also withdrawing their representation.
During Thursday, October 23, 2025’s proceedings before Justice James Omotosho, Kanu confirmed that he had released his lawyers from the case and would be representing himself “for now.”
When the presiding judge asked if he wanted the court to assign him counsel, Kanu declined the offer, insisting on defending himself.
“For now, I will represent myself,” he said, adding that the decision might change later.
Arguing orally, the IPOB leader maintained that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to try him, stating that the charges brought by the Federal Government were “fundamentally defective.”
Kanu was in court to open his defence in the terrorism suit instituted against him by the Federal Government.
The case, which has drawn national and international attention, involves multiple allegations relating to acts of terrorism and incitement, for which Kanu has pleaded not guilty.
In a surprising move, Kanu listed several prominent Nigerian political figures and former military chiefs as part of his witnesses.
Among those named are former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, Minister of Works Dave Umahi, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), and former Minister of Defence Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd).
Justice Omotosho adjourned proceedings to a later date for continuation of the trial.
