Detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has dismissed all members of his legal team and informed the court that he will henceforth conduct his defence personally.
Kanu made the announcement on Thursday during the continuation of his terrorism trial before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
At the start of proceedings, the prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), introduced his team for the prosecution. However, when it was time for the defence to enter an appearance, lead defence counsel Kanu Agabi (SAN) informed the court that the team was in court only to formally withdraw from the case.
Agabi said their decision followed Kanu’s choice to personally take over his defence. “The defendant has taken this case back from us and we respect that,” he told the court. Other members of the defence team withdrawing include Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Joseph Akubo (SAN), Paul Erokoro (SAN), Emeka Etiaba (SAN), and one other.
Confirming the development, Kanu told the court he had indeed dismissed his lawyers and was prepared to represent himself. Following his confirmation, Justice Omotosho directed all remaining members of the defence team, apart from the SANs, to leave the courtroom.
When asked to open his defence, Kanu instead raised a fresh objection to the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that the proceedings were void. He hinged his objection on four grounds:
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The Federal Government’s alleged non-compliance with a Court of Appeal judgment that, according to him, ordered his acquittal.
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His claim that the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013 and the Customs and Excise Act, under which he was charged, had been repealed.
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The alleged violation of his right to fair hearing, citing limited access to his lawyers while in DSS custody.
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His claim that a medical report submitted by a panel of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) certifying him fit for trial was forged, insisting he was never examined.
Kanu urged the court to void the trial and order his immediate release.
In response, Awomolo dismissed the oral submission, stating that Kanu’s allegations should be properly filed through a sworn affidavit. He noted that the Supreme Court, in its December 15, 2023 judgment, had already set aside the Court of Appeal’s decision which Kanu relied upon.
Justice Omotosho observed that the issues Kanu raised had already been addressed in previous rulings and reaffirmed that the medical report in question was duly admitted and acted upon by the court.
The judge then appealed to Kanu to proceed with his defence, saying:
“I beg the defendant, in the name of the Almighty God, to comport himself and conduct his defence. This is the opportunity the Constitution grants him under Section 36.”
Kanu, however, requested time to prepare for his defence, stating that he only had a few hours to consult with his lawyers the previous day.
The prosecution did not oppose the request, leading the court to adjourn proceedings until Friday, October 24, to allow Kanu time to prepare.
Justice Omotosho confirmed that witness summonses requested by Kanu have been signed and are ready for collection. Kanu has listed several prominent Nigerians, including former and serving governors, ministers, and military chiefs, among those he intends to call as witnesses.
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