There was palpable tension at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, as the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, stood alone in the dock and briefly defended himself — without legal counsel — in his ongoing trial bordering on treasonable felony.
In a dramatic turn of events, Kanu’s team of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), formally withdrew from the case, citing the defendant’s decision to “take back” his defence. Agabi, announcing the withdrawal, told the court:
“The defendant has taken this case back from us, and we respect that.”
When called upon to respond, Kanu confirmed the development and told the court he would be representing himself henceforth.
“I will be representing myself for now,” he said calmly, standing in the dock.
The courtroom fell silent as the embattled IPOB leader began his own defence, arguing that the court lacked the jurisdiction to try him. He referenced the 2017 military invasion of his home, which he said forced him into exile, insisting he did not jump bail.
“These criminals came to my house to kill me — that’s what the Supreme Court said,” Kanu declared. “So I cannot understand why my trial will be conducted contrary to the Constitution of Nigeria, which guarantees me free and unfettered access to my counsel. This is the law of Nigeria.”
Justice James Omotosho listened attentively but overruled Kanu’s jurisdictional objection, directing him to proceed with his defence. However, following an intervention from one of the withdrawing lawyers, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), who appealed for time for the defendant to “gather his thoughts,” the court adjourned the case to October 24 for continuation of the defence.
Thursday’s session marked a defining moment in the long-running trial — a lone defendant, stripped of counsel, standing unshaken before the court, determined to speak for himself and challenge the system he believes has wronged him.
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