Court adjourns trial after Nnamdi Kanu sacked legal team

The planned commencement of defence by the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, was on Thursday, stalled following his sudden sack of his legal team.

The IPOB leader was scheduled to open his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial on Thursday, but when the case was called, Chief 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 explained that the reason for their withdrawal was that “the defendant has taken this case back from us and we respect that.”

He gave the names of the other SANs, who are withdrawing from the matter as: 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 and told 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 immediately.

The judge then, turned to the defendant and asked him to open his case.

Kanu commenced arguing about the jurisdiction of the court to further conduct his trial. He was subsequently overruled by the judge, who insisted that he most proceed with his defence.

At that point, Ikpeazu 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 time to gather his thoughts and compose himself for the task ahead.

Prosecuting counsel did not object to the submission, following which Justice Omotosho adjourned till Friday, October 24, for Kanu to open his defence.

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