Nnamdi Kanu sacks legal team, opts to defend himself in court

The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has dismissed his entire legal team and announced his decision to represent himself in court, marking a dramatic twist in his long-running trial with the Nigerian government.

The development unfolded during Thursday’s proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Kanu, who faces charges bordering on treasonable felony, informed the court that he no longer wished to be represented by his lawyers. The decision reportedly caught both the prosecution and courtroom observers by surprise, as Kanu had previously relied on a team of senior advocates and human rights lawyers to defend him since his arrest and extradition from Kenya in 2021.

In a firm but calm tone, Kanu told the presiding judge that he had lost confidence in his legal representatives and preferred to take charge of his own defence. “I have decided to represent myself in this matter,” he said, according to courtroom sources. “I no longer have confidence in the people who were supposed to defend me.”

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The judge, while acknowledging his constitutional right to self-representation, cautioned Kanu on the complexity of the case and the potential challenges of handling legal arguments without professional counsel. Nevertheless, the court adjourned briefly to allow Kanu to confirm his position before proceedings resumed.

Members of Kanu’s former legal team declined to comment immediately after the session, though some aides hinted at internal disagreements over legal strategy and communication with the court. For months, there have been reports of tension between Kanu’s lawyers and the Department of State Services (DSS) regarding access to their client and alleged interference with court preparations.

The self-determination leader’s decision to defend himself adds another layer of uncertainty to a trial that has already dragged on for years amid political tension, security concerns, and calls for his release. Since his re-arrest in 2021, Kanu has remained in DSS custody, despite several court orders granting him access to better medical care and easing his detention conditions.

His trial has become a focal point of contention in Nigeria’s Southeast region, where IPOB enjoys strong support. The group has repeatedly called for Kanu’s unconditional release, arguing that his prosecution is politically motivated. The Nigerian government, however, insists that the IPOB leader must face justice for allegedly inciting violence and threatening national unity.

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Reactions to Kanu’s decision have been swift and divided. While some of his supporters hailed the move as an act of courage and conviction, legal analysts expressed concern that representing himself could weaken his case and prolong proceedings.

As the court prepares for the next hearing, observers say Kanu’s decision to stand alone underscores his growing frustration with the legal process and his determination to take full control of his defence — a move that could either strengthen his personal narrative or complicate his already delicate trial.

With no legal counsel currently representing him, all eyes are now on how the court will navigate the coming proceedings and whether Kanu’s bold choice will alter the course of his case or deepen his legal troubles.