Nnamdi Kanu Tells Court He’ll Defend Himself As Lead Counsel Kanu Agabi, Others Withdraw

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Thursday told the court that he would be representing himself after his lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), applied to withdraw from the case.

Agabi informed the court that the defence team was stepping down, saying the defendant had decided to take over the conduct of the case.

All the Senior Advocates of Nigeria previously representing Kanu also formally withdrew from the matter, a development Kanu personally confirmed in open court.

Addressing the judge, Kanu stated that he had chosen to handle his defence “for now,” though he might reconsider that decision later.

When asked by the presiding judge whether he wished the court to assign him another lawyer, he declined the offer.

Arguing orally before the court, Kanu maintained that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him.

Confirming the presence of the IPOB leader in court, in a post shared on X, a prominent human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, stated he met with Nnamdi Kanu on Thursday.

Sowore wrote: “Finally, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and I met at the Federal High Court today. The man is powerful and unrelenting. We greeted and hugged and the bond is strong!” 

Finally, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and I met at the Federal High Court today. The man is powerful and unrelenting. We greeted and hugged and the bond is strong! #FreeNnamdiKanuNow pic.twitter.com/UPpFtUmvt1

— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) October 23, 2025