The planned commencement of defence in terrorism trial by leader of the proscribed separatist group, Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu has been stalled following his sudden sack of his legal team.
At the beginning of proceeding, Kanu Agabi, SAN, who had led Defence legal team, announced his decision, with other Senior Advocates, to withdraw from the case, on grounds that the defendant has taken the case back from them.
Agabi mentioned members of his team which are, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, Joseph Akubo, SAN, Paul Erokoro, SAN, Emeka Etiaba, SAN and one other, as part of those who have been withdrawn from the case.
Kanu, in response to the request by the trial judge, confirmed sacking all his lawyers and told the court that he was willing and ready to conduct his case by himself, prompting Justice James Omotosho to order other members of the defendant’s legal team who were in court, except the senior lawyers to vacate the courtroom immediately.
On the request that he opens his defence, Kanu commenced arguing about the jurisdiction of the court to further conduct his trial, which was subsequently overruled by the judge.
Kanu further noted that the Federal Government is in contempt of the Court of Appeal as the trial was discharged by the appellate court but he remained in detention for 14 months.
He also called the attention of the court to the date of the medical report on which the court relied on to declare him fit to stand trial, stating that the report was dated September 23 even though the court gave the order on September 26.
The IPOB leader also urged the court to terminate the trial if possible, as he should not be tried based on jurisdiction.
All submissions were however opposed by the prosecution counsel, tagging Kanu’s submissions as mere entertainment.
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At some point, Ikpeazu intervened, drawing the attention of the court to the fact that their withdrawal took effect earlier in the day, praying the court to grant Kanu time to gather his thoughts for the task ahead.
The prosecuting lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo SAN, did not object, which prompted the trial judge, Justice Omotosho to adjourn to Friday, October 24 for Kanu to open his defence.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
