The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has reportedly dismissed his entire legal team and announced that he will represent himself in court.
The decision, which unfolded during Thursday’s proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, marks a dramatic turn in his ongoing trial with the Nigerian government.
Kanu, who is facing charges related to treasonable felony, informed the court that he no longer wished to be represented by his lawyers.
The move surprised both the prosecution and courtroom observers, as the IPOB leader has long relied on a team of senior advocates and human rights lawyers since his arrest and extradition from Kenya in 2021.
Speaking in a calm yet resolute tone, Kanu told the presiding judge that he had lost confidence in his legal representatives and preferred to handle his own defense.
“I have decided to represent myself in this matter. I no longer have confidence in those who were supposed to defend me,” he was quoted as saying.
While the judge affirmed Kanu’s constitutional right to self-representation, he cautioned him about the complexity of the case and the challenges of navigating the legal process without professional counsel. The court briefly adjourned to allow Kanu to confirm his decision before resuming proceedings.
Members of Kanu’s former legal team declined immediate comment, though sources hinted at internal disagreements over legal strategy and communication with the court.
Reports of friction between Kanu’s lawyers and the Department of State Services (DSS) had circulated for months, particularly regarding access to their client and alleged interference in trial preparations.
Kanu’s choice to defend himself adds fresh uncertainty to a case that has dragged on for years, marked by political tension, security concerns, and repeated calls for his release.
Despite multiple court rulings granting him improved medical access and better detention conditions, he remains in DSS custody.
The trial continues to be a flashpoint in Nigeria’s Southeast region, where IPOB retains a strong following. Supporters view Kanu’s prosecution as politically motivated and have demanded his unconditional release.
The federal government, however, maintains that the IPOB leader must answer for his alleged role in inciting violence and threatening national unity.
Reactions to his latest move have been mixed. While some supporters praised his decision as a bold assertion of independence, legal experts warn that self-representation could complicate his defence and further prolong an already contentious legal battle.
