Nnamdi Kanu Sacks entire legal team, Summons Wike, Sanwo-Olu, Buratai in Terrorism Trial
Nnamdi Kanu’s terrorism trial took a dramatic turn as the IPOB leader fired his entire legal team and secured witness summons for 23 prominent Nigerians, including Nyesom Wike, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and ex-Army chiefs T.Y. Danjuma and Tukur Buratai.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has revealed that the witness summons requested by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, against 23 prominent Nigerians have been duly signed and are ready for dispatch.
Among those listed are the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, and two former Chiefs of Army Staff — Generals T.Y. Danjuma and Tukur Buratai.
Justice Omotosho made the disclosure in open court on Thursday, noting that he had granted Kanu’s application for the summons, which are now available for collection and service on the listed witnesses.
Kanu had, in a notice of defence filed on October 21, included several high-profile individuals — comprising former and serving governors, ministers, military and security chiefs — as witnesses he intended to call to testify in his terrorism trial that began in 2015.
The judge directed Kanu to personally collect and serve the summons as required by law to ensure timely compliance by the witnesses.
KANU FIRES ENTIRE LEGAL TEAM
In a dramatic courtroom moment, Nnamdi Kanu announced that he had dismissed his entire legal team and would henceforth represent himself in the ongoing trial.
The prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), had earlier introduced its team, after which the defence lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), stood up to inform the court that they were only present out of respect for the bench and to formally withdraw from the case.
According to Agabi, “The defendant has decided to take back his case, and we respect that decision.”
Other senior lawyers withdrawing from the defence include Onyechi Ikpeazu, Joseph Akubo, Paul Erokoro, and Emeka Etiaba.
Justice Omotosho then turned to Kanu, who confirmed the sack and reiterated his readiness to conduct his own defence. The judge subsequently ordered all members of the former defence team to leave the courtroom.
KANU CHALLENGES COURT’S JURISDICTION
When invited to open his defence, Kanu instead raised objections, insisting that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him. He said:
“This is a jurisdictional issue that goes to the heart of this case.”
He hinged his objection on four main grounds:
- Contempt of Court – He alleged that the Federal Government was in contempt of a Court of Appeal judgment ordering his acquittal and release.
- Repealed Laws – He argued that the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013 and the Customs and Excise Act under which he was charged had been repealed.
- Denial of Fair Hearing – He claimed that his prolonged detention by the DSS denied him adequate access to his lawyers.
- Forged Medical Report – Kanu alleged that the medical report submitted to the court, purportedly certifying him fit for trial, was forged, insisting he was never examined or tested.
He urged the court to declare the proceedings void and to order his immediate release in compliance with the earlier appellate court ruling.
PROSECUTION COUNTERS KANU’S CLAIMS
In response, Awomolo, SAN, argued that Kanu’s claims held no merit, saying they were unsubstantiated and unsworn. He noted that the Supreme Court judgment of December 15, 2023, had already set aside the Court of Appeal decision that Kanu was relying on.
He further maintained that Kanu’s forgery allegation indirectly indicted his own former senior lawyers, who had earlier reviewed the medical report without objection.
Judge’s Position and Adjournment
Justice Omotosho clarified that the medical report in question had already been admitted into evidence and acted upon by the court. He emphasized that the same jurisdictional issues raised by Kanu had been addressed in the ruling of September 26, which established that Kanu had a case to answer.
“I appeal to the defendant, in the name of the Almighty God, to open his defence. This is his constitutional right under Section 36, which he may exercise or waive,” the judge said.
At the intervention of Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, who noted the recent withdrawal of Kanu’s lawyers, the IPOB leader requested additional time to prepare, saying:
“My lord, I have not had adequate time to prepare for my defence. Section 36 of the Constitution guarantees me sufficient facilities to defend myself. I need time.”
The prosecution did not object, prompting Justice Omotosho to adjourn proceedings to Friday, October 24, to allow Kanu to open his defence.
