Kanu Agabi (SAN), Former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and lead counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has withdrawn from representing him in his ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Agabi announced his withdrawal on Thursday when the case was called before Justice James Omotosho, explaining that Kanu had decided to take back the case from his legal team.
“The defendant has opted to handle the matter differently, and we will be stepping aside accordingly,” Agabi informed the court.
Following Agabi’s move, all other Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) in the defence team also withdrew their appearance from the case.
Confirming the development, Nnamdi Kanu told the court that he would now represent himself, at least temporarily, though he noted that the decision could change later.
When Justice Omotosho asked if the court should assign him legal representation, Kanu declined the offer.
In an oral submission, the IPOB leader further argued that the court lacked the jurisdiction to try him.
Justice Omotosho had earlier fixed six consecutive days, beginning October 23, for Kanu to open and close his defence following an order for accelerated hearing.
Kanu is currently standing trial on a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism, filed against him by the Federal Government.
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