Abuja, Nigeria (Naija247news) — Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Kanu Agabi, has formally withdrawn from representing Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in his ongoing terrorism trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Agabi, who has led Kanu’s legal team for several months, informed the court on Thursday, October 23, 2025, that he would no longer continue as counsel, explaining that the defendant had decided to “take back the case” from them.
“My Lord, we have been informed by our client that he wishes to handle his defence personally. In view of that, we hereby withdraw our representation,” Agabi told the court.
Following Agabi’s withdrawal, other Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) involved in the case also announced their withdrawal, effectively leaving Kanu without legal representation.
In response, Nnamdi Kanu confirmed the development, telling the court that he would be representing himself for now, though he might reconsider the decision later.
The presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, asked whether the court should assign a lawyer to represent him, but Kanu declined the offer.
The IPOB leader then proceeded to make an oral submission to open his defence, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him on the charges preferred by the Federal Government.
Recall that on October 16, Justice Omotosho had granted Kanu six consecutive days, beginning October 23, to open and close his defence as part of an accelerated hearing schedule.
According to court filings, Kanu had listed several high-profile individuals as witnesses in his defence, including:
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Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami
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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike
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Minister of Works, Dave Umahi
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Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu
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Former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.)
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Former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd.)
The Federal Government is prosecuting Kanu on a seven-count terrorism charge, which includes allegations of incitement and membership of a proscribed organization.
Meanwhile, the court has adjourned the matter till Friday following the withdrawal of Kanu’s lawyers to enable him to organize his defence.
More details shortly…
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Reporting by Emman Tochi in Lagos, Nigeria.
