John Chuks Azu
Detained leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has sacked all members of his legal team.
At the resumed hearing of the matter on Thursday, Kanu told the court that he was prepared to defend himself.
Based on his position, all the senior advocates in the team led by Kanu Agabi (SAN), announced their decision to withdraw their continuous participation in the case.
Kanu then proceeded to address the court from the dock, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to continue to try him.
Earlier, Agabi announced that the team of Senior Advocates of Nigeria in the matter, comprising Onyechi Ikpeazu, Paul Erokoro, Joseph Akubo and Emeka Etiaba, explained that the reason for their withdrawal “is because the defendant has taken this case back from us and we respect that.”
Following Agabi’s announcement, Justice James Omotosho sought Kanu’s response and he confirmed that he was prepared to defend himself and conduct the case by himself.
Justice Omotosho then, ordered other members of the defendant’s legal team who were in court, except the SANs to vacate the courtroom immediately.
The judge then, turned to the defendant and asked him to open his case.
Kanu commenced arguing about the jurisdiction of the court to further conduct his trial, but the court overruled him and asked him to proceed with his defence.
At that point, Ikpeazu intervened and drew the attention of the court to the fact that the legal team’s withdrawal took effect on the morning of Thursday, and as such Kanu would need some time to gather his thoughts and compose himself for the task ahead.
Prosecuting lawyer did not object, following which Justice Omotosho adjourned till Friday, October 24 for Kanu to open his defence.
