Kanu Agabi, SAN, Withdraws as Nnamdi Kanu’s Lead Counsel in Ongoing Terrorism Trial

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), on Thursday withdrew his appearance as lead counsel for the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, in the ongoing terrorism trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Agabi informed the court that his legal team would no longer be representing the defendant, stating that Kanu had decided to take back the case from them.

In a surprising turn, all other Senior Advocates of Nigeria involved in Kanu’s defence also announced their withdrawal from the case. Confirming the development, Kanu told the court that he would henceforth represent himself, though he added that the arrangement might change at a later date. The trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, offered to assign a lawyer to him, but the defendant declined the offer.

Opening his defence, Kanu told the court that it lacked jurisdiction to continue his trial. Justice Omotosho had earlier granted the defendant six consecutive days, beginning from October 23, to open and close his defence following an order for accelerated hearing of the case. The IPOB leader is currently facing a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism filed against him by the Federal Government.

In his list of intended witnesses, Kanu named several prominent Nigerians, including former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd); and former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), among others. He stated that they would testify in his defence to clarify issues surrounding the charges against him, particularly the actions of security agencies and decisions of government officials which, he claimed, are central to the circumstances of his trial.