Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), and other senior lawyers withdraw from defending detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, who now opts to represent himself.
There was a dramatic turn of events on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, as former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Kanu Agabi (SAN), and other members of the defence team representing detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, formally withdrew from his ongoing terrorism trial.
Kanu, who is facing a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism filed by the Federal Government, appeared in court for the commencement of his defence when Agabi informed the trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, of his decision to withdraw from the case.
Agabi told the court that the legal team would no longer be representing the defendant, explaining that Kanu had chosen to personally take over his defence. In solidarity, all other Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) involved in the matter also announced their withdrawal.
Confirming the development, Kanu addressed the court, stating that he would represent himself for the time being but added that the situation might change later.
Justice Omotosho, in response, asked if the court should assign a counsel to represent him, but Kanu declined the offer.
The embattled IPOB leader, speaking further, contended that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to try him and insisted on proceeding to open his defence personally.
It will be recalled that on October 16, Justice Omotosho granted Kanu six consecutive days, beginning from Thursday, October 23, to open and close his defence under an accelerated hearing process.
In his witness list filed before the court, Kanu had named several prominent Nigerians, including former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami (SAN); Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd); and former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd).
The court is expected to continue proceedings on Friday as Kanu begins his self-representation in the high-profile terrorism case.
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