The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, on Thursday, surprised proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja when he announced that he would personally defend himself following the withdrawal of his entire legal team.
Lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the court that he and other members of the defence team had decided to withdraw from the case, explaining that the defendant had “taken the case back from them.”
Confirming the development, Kanu told the court that he would represent himself for the time being. “I will be representing myself for now,” he said, adding that “that might change later.”
When the presiding judge inquired whether he wanted the court to assign a new lawyer to him, Kanu politely declined the offer.
Proceeding to argue orally on his own behalf, the IPOB leader maintained that the court lacked the jurisdiction to continue his trial.
The dramatic twist adds a new dimension to the long-running case of the separatist leader, who is facing charges bordering on treasonable felony and terrorism-related offences.
