By: Sunday Ameh
The lead defence team for IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, including former Attorney-General Kanu Agabi, SAN, has formally withdrawn from his ongoing terrorism trial before the Federal High Court, Abuja.
When the matter was called on Thursday, Agabi informed the court that he and the other Senior Advocates representing Kanu would no longer continue with the defence. He said Kanu had taken back his case file and opted to act as his own counsel going forward.
Confirming the development, Kanu told Justice James Omotosho the court that he had chosen to defend himself for the time being, though he hinted his position might change later.
When asked whether the court should assign a lawyer to represent him, Kanu declined the option.
In his first act for his defence, Kanu argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him on the seven-count terrorism charge filed by the Federal Government.
Recall that Justice Omotosho had earlier granted Kanu six consecutive days—from October 23—to open and close his defence in view of an accelerated hearing schedule.
Earlier in the proceedings, Kanu had listed high-profile figures — including former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Army Chief Tukur Buratai (rtd.), and others — among the 23 persons he intended to call as witnesses.
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