The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was on Tuesday adjourned until Friday, October 24, following his decision to dismiss his entire team of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs).
Proceedings at the Federal High Court, Abuja, took an unexpected turn when Kanu’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), announced his withdrawal from the case alongside other senior members of the defence team. Those who withdrew include Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Joseph Akubo (SAN), Paul Erokoro (SAN), and Emeka Etiaba (SAN).
News Week Nigeria reports that Agabi informed the court that the decision followed Kanu’s insistence on taking full control of his defence and representing himself in the ongoing trial.
Kanu Dismisses Lawyers, Chooses Self-Representation
Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the matter, asked Kanu to confirm the statement of his lead counsel. From the dock, Kanu affirmed that he had indeed dismissed his lawyers and would personally conduct his defence.
When the court inquired whether he wished the judge to assign him a new counsel, the IPOB leader declined, stating he preferred to proceed on his own terms.
Justice Omotosho then ordered all members of the dismissed legal team to vacate the courtroom before directing Kanu to open his defence.
However, before proceedings could continue, Kanu challenged the jurisdiction of the court, arguing that the trial should not proceed under the current conditions. The presiding judge overruled his objection, ruling that the matter must go forward.
Court Grants Adjournment After Fresh Plea
Moments later, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), one of the outgoing defence lawyers, rose to request that the court grant Kanu more time to “gather his thoughts and prepare” for self-representation, noting that their withdrawal had only taken effect that morning.
The prosecution team, representing the Federal Government, raised no objection to the request.
Justice Omotosho subsequently adjourned the trial to Friday, October 24, to enable Kanu to prepare adequately before formally opening his defence.
Charges Against Nnamdi Kanu
Nnamdi Kanu faces multiple counts bordering on treasonable felony, terrorism, and incitement, arising from his leadership of IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
He is accused of making inflammatory broadcasts and coordinating activities aimed at undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The Federal Government maintains that IPOB, which has been proscribed since 2017, has engaged in violent acts in the South-East region under Kanu’s leadership — allegations he has repeatedly denied.
Background to the Case
Kanu was first arrested in 2015 and granted bail in 2017 before fleeing Nigeria. He was rearrested in 2021 in a foreign country and returned to Abuja by security operatives under controversial circumstances.
Since his return, his detention has sparked widespread criticism and calls for his release from civil society groups and political leaders, who argue that his continued trial has deepened ethnic and political tension in the South-East.
Human rights observers have also raised questions about due process in his rendition and prolonged detention.
What Happens Next
Kanu is now expected to personally open his defence when the trial resumes on Friday, October 24, 2025. Legal observers say his decision to dismiss an experienced team of Senior Advocates marks a major turning point in the long-running trial.
If convicted, he could face a lengthy prison sentence, although his decision to represent himself introduces new procedural challenges for the court.
The Federal High Court is expected to outline clear parameters for his self-representation when proceedings continue.
