The trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, suffered a setback on Thursday after his team of senior lawyers formally withdrew from the case, prompting the Federal High Court in Abuja to adjourn proceedings to Friday, October 24, 2025.
At the resumed hearing, Kanu’s lead counsel and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, that they would no longer represent the defendant following his decision to take full control of his defence.
“We are withdrawing because the defendant has taken this case back from us, and we respect that,” Agabi told the court before he and other senior lawyers — Onyechi Ikpeazu, Paul Erokoro, and Emeka Etiaba — announced their withdrawal.
Confirming the development, Kanu told the court he would conduct his own defence for now, although he may reconsider later. Justice Omotosho asked whether he wanted the court to appoint a new lawyer, but Kanu declined.The judge subsequently ordered the remaining members of his legal team to exit the courtroom and directed Kanu to open his defence.
However, following a plea for time from his former counsel, the matter was adjourned till Friday.
Kanu is standing trial on a seven-count charge filed by the Federal Government, accusing him of terrorism, incitement, and managing an unlawful organisation. The prosecution alleges that he used Radio Biafra broadcasts between 2018 and 2021 to incite violence and promote secession.
In a new motion filed last week, Kanu listed 23 witnesses, including high-profile politicians and former military chiefs such as Nyesom Wike, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Hope Uzodinma, David Umahi, T.Y. Danjuma, and Tukur Buratai, whom he intends to summon in his defence.
The case continues on Friday as Kanu prepares to personally open his defence before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
