Nnamdi Kanu sacks legal team

BREAKING: Nnamdi Kanu Sacks Legal Team and Elects to Defend Himself

In a dramatic twist in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the separatist figurehead has dismissed his entire legal team and announced his intention to represent himself in court. The announcement was made on Thursday, October 23, 2025, during a session at the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho.

Kanu’s legal team, led by Chief Kanu Agabi, a former Attorney-General of the Federation, had only recently taken over his defence. Their abrupt disengagement came less than 24 hours after a preparatory meeting with Kanu ahead of the day’s proceedings. The move stunned observers and legal analysts alike, given the high-profile nature of the case and the complexity of the terrorism charges he faces.

Addressing the court from the dock, Kanu declared his readiness to proceed without legal representation, asserting his right to self-defence. He further challenged the jurisdiction of the court to try him, reviving longstanding objections that have punctuated his legal battles since his arrest and extradition in 2021.

In a motion personally signed and filed on October 21, Kanu listed former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami and others as witnesses he intends to summon, signaling a bold and unconventional strategy in his defence.

The withdrawal of Chief Agabi and other senior advocates marks a significant shift in the trajectory of the trial, raising questions about Kanu’s legal strategy and the implications for the broader IPOB movement.

As proceedings continue, the court, and the public, will be watching closely to see how Kanu navigates the legal terrain alone, and whether his decision will strengthen or undermine his case.