High Drama in Court as Nnamdi Kanu Takes Over His Own Terrorism Trial

High Drama in Court as Nnamdi Kanu Takes Over His Own Terrorism Trial.

In a dramatic turn of events that shook the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, announced the dismissal of his entire legal team, declaring his intention to personally handle his own defence.

The courtroom was thrown into a state of surprise as Kanu, who is facing a seven-count terrorism-related charge brought by the Federal Government, made the announcement. Consequently, his team of lawyers, which was led by a legal heavyweight and former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, had no choice but to formally withdraw their representation from the case.

This move sets the stage for an unprecedented phase in the long-running trial, with the IPOB leader now acting as his own counsel.

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As the proceedings continued, Kanu, defending himself, immediately challenged the jurisdiction of the court to try him on the charges. This legal strategy is not new, but its presentation by the defendant himself.

In another development, Kanu brought before the court an application seeking to summon a long list of high-profile individuals to appear as witnesses in his defence. The proposed witnesses include Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, and the former Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu.

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The list also extends to former security chiefs, indicating a bold and expansive approach to his defence.

This comes after the Federal Government had already closed its case, having presented five witnesses, who were mostly security operatives.

Presiding over the matter, the court granted Kanu a period of six days to present his defence. However, the IPOB leader argued that this timeframe was insufficient, requesting instead an extension to 90 days to properly prepare his case and summon his witnesses.

The case has been adjourned as the nation awaits the next chapter in this gripping legal drama.