Nnamdi Kanu to Defend Himself in Terrorism Trial Friday

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to Friday, October 24, for him to open his defence in the ongoing terrorism case filed by the Federal Government.

The adjournment followed the withdrawal of all Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) representing the IPOB leader, including Kanu Agabi, who had led the defence team.

At Thursday’s proceedings, Agabi informed the court that the team was withdrawing because Kanu had chosen to take over his case personally.

“The defendant has taken this case back from us, and we respect that,” Agabi told the court.

Other Senior Advocates who withdrew from the case include Onyechi Ikpeazu, Joseph Akubo, Paul Erokoro, Emeka Etiaba, and one other.

When asked by the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, if he would like the court to assign him a lawyer, Kanu declined, insisting he was ready to conduct his own defence.

Justice Omotosho thereafter directed him to open his defence, but Kanu began arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction to continue his trial, claiming the Court of Appeal had previously discharged him.

The judge overruled the objection, ruling that all jurisdictional issues could be raised during final addresses or at the appellate level.

At the request of former defence counsel Ikpeazu for time to allow Kanu compose himself, and with no objection from the prosecution, the court adjourned to Friday, October 24, for continuation of the trial.

Kanu, who was first arrested in 2015 and re-arrested in 2021 after jumping bail, has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

He is facing a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism, with the Federal Government accusing him of inciting violence and calling for the secession of the South-East region through IPOB’s activities.

In a recent application, Kanu indicated plans to call two sets of witnesses, “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses” under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.

THECABLE