By Our Reporter
The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has dismissed his legal team and chosen to represent himself in court.
His lawyers, led by Kanu Agabi, SAN, withdrew from the case after Kanu insisted on handling his own defense. Kanu told the court he would represent himself until he finds new counsel, arguing the court lacks jurisdiction in his case. He requested 90 days to prepare his defense and filed an application confirming his readiness to proceed.
The Federal Government continues to try Kanu for terrorism and treason.
Kanu, first arrested in 2015 and rearrested in 2021, remains in DSS custody. He plans to summon Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos and Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo and many other prominent Nigerian Politicians as witnesses. The court adjourned the case to October 24, 2026.
Nnamdi Kanu is the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group that advocates for the secession and independence of the southeastern region of Nigeria, known as Biafra. IPOB was declared a terrorist organization by the Nigerian government.
Kanu was arrested by Nigerian security agencies in October 2015. He was charged with treason, operating an illegal organization, and inciting violence through broadcasts and activities related to IPOB.
After several months in detention and amid national and international pressure, Kanu was granted bail in April 2017 with strict conditions. He disappeared from public view after a military raid on his home in Abia State in September 2017, sparking rumors of his fleeing the country.
In June 2021, Kanu was rearrested abroad (reportedly in Kenya) and brought back to Nigeria. He faced additional charges of terrorism, renewed charges of treason, and operating a separatist movement.
Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest and trial stem from his leadership of IPOB and activities promoting Biafra’s independence, which the Nigerian government regards as unlawful and a threat to national security.