A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday fixed Friday October 24 for the detained self acclaimed leader of the proscribed separatist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu to begin his defence in the terrorism charges against him or waive.
Kanu, who was scheduled to open his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial on Thursday, dramatically fired his entire legal team led by a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi SAN.
When the case was called, Kanu Agabi (SAN), who had led Kanu’s legal team until Thursday, announced his decision, with other Senior Advocates in the team, to withdraw from the case.
Agabi said the reason for their withdrawal “is because the defendant (Kanu) has taken this case back from us and we respect that.”
He gave the name of the other SANs, withdrawing to include: Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Joseph Akubo (SAN), Paul Erokoro (SAN), Emeka Etiaba (SAN) and one other.
Following Agabi’s announcement, Justice James Omotosho turned to Kanu, who was in the dock, for his response.
Kanu confirmed sacking all his lawyers, telling the court that he was willing and ready to conduct his case by himself.
Justice Omotosho then, ordered other members of the defendant’s legal team who were in court, except the SANs to vacate the courtroom.
The judge thereafter turned to the defendant and asked him to open his case.
Kanu began by arguing about the jurisdiction of the court to further conduct his trial. He was subsequently overruled by the judge, who insisted that he must proceed with his defence.
At that point, Ikpeazu SAN intervened and drew the attention of the court to the fact that their (Kanu’s lawyers’) withdrawal took effect on the morning of Thursday.
He prayed the court to grant Kanu some time to gather his thoughts and compose himself for the task ahead.
Prosecuting lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo SAN did not object, following which Justice Omotosho adjourned till Friday, October 24 to enable the IPOB open his defence