The trial of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, on Thursday,took a dramatic turn as he abruptly dismissed his team of lawyers, forcing the Federal High Court in Abuja to adjourn proceedings.
Kanu, who was scheduled to open his defence in the terrorism charges filed against him by the Federal Government, announced before Justice James Omotosho on Thursday, October 23,2025,that he had decided to take over the conduct of his case.
Lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), a former Attorney-General of the Federation, informed the court that his team was withdrawing from the matter, noting that “the defendant has taken this case back from us, and we respect that.
”Other Senior Advocates of Nigeria(SANs)in the defence team — including Onyechi Ikpeazu, Joseph Akubo, Paul Erokoro, Emeka Etiaba and one other — also withdrew their representation.
Following the announcement, Justice Omotosho asked Kanu if he confirmed dismissing his lawyers, to which he responded in the affirmative, adding that he was ready to represent himself.
The judge then directed other members of the defence team still in court to vacate the courtroom.
Kanu immediately began to argue against the court’s jurisdiction to continue his trial but was overruled by the judge, who insisted that the defendant proceeded with his defence.
Ikpeazu, however, pleaded for an adjournment to allow Kanu to gather his thoughts, a request the court granted.
The trial was subsequently adjourned to Friday, October 24,2025, for Kanu to open his defence.
The IPOB leader is standing trial on a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism.
He had earlier listed several prominent Nigerians, including former and serving ministers, governors, and military officers, as potential witnesses.
