The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the ongoing trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to Friday, October 24, 2025. The adjournment followed the sudden withdrawal of Kanu’s legal team during Thursday’s proceedings.
Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, fixed the new date for Kanu to enter his defence after his lead counsel, former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the court that they would be stepping down from the case in line with the defendant’s wishes.
Agabi told the court, “We are withdrawing because the defendant has taken this case back from us and we respect that.” Other members of the Senior Advocates’ team, including Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Paul Erokoro (SAN), and Emeka Etiaba (SAN), also withdrew their representation.
According to Okay News reports, Kanu confirmed the development in open court, stating that he would be representing himself for the time being, although he may later engage new lawyers. When Justice Omotosho asked if he wanted the court to appoint counsel for him, Kanu declined and said he was ready to conduct his own defence.
Kanu, however, told the court that it lacked jurisdiction to try him, but the judge disagreed and directed him to proceed with his defence.
Earlier in the proceedings, Kanu had filed a fresh motion dated October 20 and filed on October 21, 2025, indicating his intention to personally lead his defence and call 23 witnesses. Those listed include top government officials such as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.); and former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd.).
Other notable individuals mentioned as witnesses include the Minister of Works, David Umahi; Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma; former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu; and the immediate past Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN).
The IPOB leader, who is facing a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism, incitement, and the promotion of unlawful activities under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, is accused of using Radio Biafra broadcasts to incite violence and call for the secession of the South-East region.
Kanu was first arrested in 2015 on charges of treasonable felony, granted bail in 2017, and later fled the country after a military raid in Abia State. He was rearrested in Kenya in 2021 and extradited to Nigeria to face terrorism-related charges.
After the prosecution raised no objection to the defence’s withdrawal and request for time, Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until Friday, October 24, for Kanu to open his defence.
