The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to Friday, October 24, to allow him to enter his defence.
The presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, fixed the new date after Kanu’s lead counsel, former Attorney-General of the Federation Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the court that his team would be withdrawing from the case at Kanu’s request.
Kanu is currently facing a seven-count charge filed by the Federal Government, bordering on terrorism, incitement, and the promotion of unlawful activities under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Background of the Case
The IPOB leader was first arrested in October 2015 and charged with treasonable felony. Although he was granted bail in April 2017, Kanu fled the country after a military operation in Abia State.
He was later rearrested in Kenya in June 2021 and extradited to Nigeria, where he faced an amended terrorism-related charge.
Initially, the Federal Government filed 15 counts against him, but in April 2022, Justice Binta Nyako struck out eight of them, leaving seven for trial.
In October 2022, the Court of Appeal discharged Kanu, ruling that his extraordinary rendition from Kenya was illegal and stripped the trial court of jurisdiction. However, in December 2023, the Supreme Court overturned that decision, reinstating the seven counts and ordering a continuation of the trial.
Details of the Charges
The current charges, filed under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, accuse Kanu of making inciting radio broadcasts from London between 2018 and 2021, calling for attacks on security agents and promoting secession through Radio Biafra.
Other charges include managing a proscribed organisation, importing a radio transmitter without authorization, and financing terrorism-related activities.
Kanu Lists Prominent Figures as Witnesses
In a fresh motion he personally signed, Kanu disclosed plans to call 23 witnesses, divided into “ordinary but material” and “vital and compellable” categories.
Those listed include several high-profile politicians and former military chiefs such as:
Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State
Hope Uzodinma, Governor of Imo State
David Umahi, Minister of Works
Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.), former Chief of Army Staff
Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd.), former Minister of Defence
Abubakar Malami (SAN), former Attorney-General of the Federation
Yusuf Magaji Bichi, DG of the Department of State Services
Kanu also requested a 90-day window to present his defence, pledging to testify personally and submit sworn statements from voluntary witnesses.
Lawyers Withdraw from Case
At Thursday’s hearing, lead counsel Kanu Agabi (SAN) announced the legal team’s withdrawal, stating:
“We are withdrawing because the defendant has taken this case back from us, and we respect that.”
Other Senior Advocates, including Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Paul Erokoro (SAN), and Emeka Etiaba (SAN), also withdrew their appearances.
Kanu confirmed the development, telling the court he would represent himself for now but might reconsider later.
When asked by Justice Omotosho if he wanted the court to assign a lawyer to him, Kanu declined.
The judge then directed all non-SAN members of the defence team to vacate the courtroom and asked Kanu to proceed with his defence.
Kanu Challenges Court’s Jurisdiction
In his oral defence, Kanu argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him, but Justice Omotosho dismissed the claim and insisted that proceedings must continue.
Kanu’s former counsel, Ikpeazu, requested additional time to prepare in light of their withdrawal earlier in the day. The prosecution did not oppose the request.
Consequently, Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter to Friday, October 24, 2025, for Kanu to open his defence.
