A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday adjourned till Friday for detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, to begin his defence after sacking his entire legal team.
Nnamdi Kanu, who is standing trial on terrorism-related charges, was scheduled to open his defence but unexpectedly fired his lawyers moments before the court session commenced.
When the case was called, lead counsel Kanu Agabi (SAN) informed the court that he and other Senior Advocates representing the defendant were withdrawing from the case.
Agabi stated that their withdrawal was based on Kanu’s decision to take full control of his legal representation. He said, “The defendant has taken this case back from us and we respect that.”
He listed the other Senior Advocates withdrawing alongside him as Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Joseph Akubo (SAN), Paul Erokoro (SAN), Emeka Etiaba (SAN), and one other.
Following Agabi’s statement, Justice James Omotosho turned to Kanu, who was in the dock, to confirm whether he had indeed relieved his lawyers of their duties.
He confirmed dismissing his entire legal team and told the court that he was ready to represent himself in the ongoing proceedings.
Justice Omotosho then ordered all remaining members of the defence team in court, apart from the Senior Advocates, to leave the courtroom.
The judge subsequently invited Kanu to open his defence. Kanu began by challenging the jurisdiction of the court to continue with the trial. However, the judge overruled him and directed him to proceed with his defence.
At that point, Ikpeazu informed the court that the withdrawal of Kanu’s legal team took effect earlier that morning. He requested that the court grant Kanu time to compose himself and prepare for his defence.
The prosecuting lawyer did not oppose the application.
Justice Omotosho granted the request and adjourned the trial till Friday, October 24, to allow Kanu to begin his defence.
The case continues on Friday as the defendant prepares to represent himself in the terrorism trial.
Crediblenewsng.com
