Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyers Withdraw from Trial as IPOB Leader Chooses to Defend Himself

In a surprising twist at the Federal High Court in Abuja,Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has chosen to represent himself after his team of lawyers formally withdrew from his ongoing trial on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

The decision marks a dramatic turn in the long-running legal battle between Kanu and the Federal Government over terrorism-related charges.

According to multiple reports from The Punch, Channels TV, and The Cable, the lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), along with other senior lawyers, informed the court that they were stepping down from the case at the request of their client.

Kanu reportedly told the court that he wished to personally handle his own defence, expressing dissatisfaction with his previous representation.

When the presiding judge asked whether he wanted a new lawyer assigned to him, Kanu declined, insisting he would “speak for himself” — though he hinted that the decision might change later.

Following the withdrawal of the legal team, the court adjourned proceedings till Friday to allow Kanu to open his defence.

This comes after the court had earlier scheduled six consecutive days for the IPOB leader to present his defence as part of an accelerated hearing process.

Kanu faces seven counts of terrorism-related charges brought by the Federal Government.

His first move, according to court insiders, will be to challenge the jurisdiction of the court to try him — a line of argument consistent with his past legal stance.

Representing oneself in court — especially in a complex, high-profile terrorism case — is uncommon and risky.

Legal experts warn that self-representation can lead to procedural missteps and limit a defendant’s ability to mount a comprehensive defence, particularly when cross-examining witnesses or dealing with technical legal arguments.

However, Kanu’s choice also signals his desire to take full control of his narrative and strategy.

Reports suggest that his defence plan could involve summoning prominent Nigerian political and security figures as witnesses, hinting at a broader attempt to expose government actions tied to his arrest and detention.

This latest development adds yet another layer of complexity to an already charged political case.

Kanu’s trial has long been a focal point of tension between the Nigerian government and pro-Biafra supporters, many of whom view him as a symbol of regional self-determination.

His decision to stand alone in court may rally sympathizers who see it as an act of defiance and courage — or raise concerns about his legal vulnerability in a case that carries serious consequences.

The court is expected to resume hearing on Friday, October 24, 2025, where Nnamdi Kanu is slated to open his defence officially.

Observers say the session could set the tone for the remainder of the trial, especially if Kanu moves to question the court’s authority or calls his first witnesses.

As the case unfolds, the nation watches closely — not just for its legal outcome, but for its wider political reverberations in Nigeria’s southeast and beyond.