The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Thursday informed the Federal High Court that he would be representing himself in his ongoing trial after his legal team, led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), withdrew from the case.

Agabi, a former Attorney-General of the Federation, told the court that the entire defence team was stepping down, explaining that the defendant had decided to personally take over the conduct of his case.

“All counsel in the defence have agreed to withdraw as the defendant has chosen to represent himself,” Agabi announced before the presiding judge.

Confirming the development in open court, Kanu stated that he had opted to handle his own defence “for now,” though he might reconsider that decision at a later stage. When asked by the judge whether he wanted the court to assign him another lawyer, Kanu declined, insisting he would proceed on his own terms.

In his brief oral argument, the IPOB leader maintained that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him, reiterating his long-standing position on the matter.

Meanwhile, confirming Kanu’s presence in court, human rights activist Omoyele Sowore shared an update on his X (formerly Twitter) account, saying he met with the separatist leader in person.

Sowore wrote:

“Finally, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and I met at the Federal High Court today. The man is powerful and unrelenting. We greeted and hugged and the bond is strong!”

Thursday’s proceedings mark another dramatic twist in the long-running legal battle between the Nigerian government and Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in custody facing charges related to treasonable felony and separatist activities.

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has adopted a medical report by a panel set up by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), which found that the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is not suffering from any life-threatening ailment.

The NMA panel, constituted by the association’s president on the order of Justice James Omotosho, was tasked with determining Kanu’s actual health condition following conflicting claims from medical experts representing both the prosecution and the defence.

According to the report submitted to the court on October 13 by the prosecution team led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), and partly read in open court on Thursday, the panel concluded that Kanu’s condition is not life-threatening and that he is fit to stand trial.

Justice Omotosho, citing the report and noting no objections from either side, ruled that the trial would proceed.

The judge subsequently granted the defence six consecutive days — from October 23 to October 28 — to open and close its case.

Additionally, the court approved an oral application by defence counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), requesting that Kanu’s legal team be allowed to hold private consultations with him outside the Department of State Services (DSS) facility to ensure confidentiality.

Justice Omotosho ruled that the private meeting will take place in the courtroom between 9 a.m. and 12 noon on October 22, with only Kanu and his lawyers present.

The court further ordered that Kanu should continue receiving medical care at the DSS medical facility pending further proceedings.

One of Kanu’s lawyers, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the development after Thursday’s sitting.

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WHY NNAMDI KANU HAS BEEN ABANDONED BY IGBO GOVERNORS AND LEADERS – OHANAEZE NDIGBO

The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, finds it imperative to communicate a profoundly distressing reality to the public regarding the abandonment of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The negligence exhibited by the Southeast Governors, Igbo Senators, Members of the House of Representatives, the Southeast Traditional Rulers Forum, and the College of Bishops is not merely a matter of oversight but a glaring betrayal of their responsibilities to the Igbo people.

In stark contrast to the proactive measures undertaken by political leaders in other regions, particularly in northern Nigeria, where governors have openly engaged in dialogue with individuals linked to abhorrent acts of violence, the leaders of the Southeast have retreated into a conspiratorial silence. Northern governors have shown an alarming readiness to negotiate with bandits who have perpetrated grave injustices against innocent civilians, while our Southeast leaders are conspicuously absent from any meaningful engagement concerning the plight of our own. In the Southwest, we have witnessed a commendable consolidation of leadership aimed at addressing pressing security challenges, including the formation of robust security outfits that have fostered a sense of safety. The leadership of that region rallied effectively to advocate for the release of Yoruba activist Mr.Sunday Igboho, showcasing a united front in their pursuit of justice. Regrettably, such concerted efforts are sorely lacking among our own leaders regarding Nnamdi Kanu, who has languished in detention since 2021 without just cause.

The stark reality is that the primary beneficiaries of Nnamdi Kanu’s continued incarceration are the Igbo political elites who have engaged in a despicable game of evasion. These leaders, while professing concern and solidarity, have opted instead to cultivate a muddied culture of deceit that aims to placate public sentiment without championing any genuine resolution. They exploit the situation surrounding Nnamdi Kanu as a facade to win favor and bolster their popularity among the populace, offering nothing of substance in return.

Critical questions remain unaddressed: Why do Igbo politicians prioritize visits to Nnamdi Kanu in detention rather than making earnest attempts to engage with President Tinubu to advocate for his release? Why do religious leaders and traditional rulers prefer photo opportunities inside FCT courtroom settings rather than exerting their influence behind closed doors for substantive negotiations? Why do our stakeholders favor a public media trial over a discreet pursuit of justice through legitimate legal channels?

Ohanaeze Ndigbo unequivocally rebukes the hollow proclamations put forth by certain Igbo leaders, who loudly clamour for Kanu’s release without any accompanying commitment to action. It is essential to convey the uncomfortable truth: the only impediment to Nnamdi Kanu’s freedom is the absence of sincere assurances from Igbo leaders to President Tinubu that Nnamdi Kanu would conduct himself with integrity post-release. Tragically, no governor, senator, or influential leader among us is prepared to take the necessary risks that would facilitate his release.

In conclusion, Ohanaeze Ndigbo reassures Ndigbo that we remain steadfast in our belief that President Tinubu will facilitate Nnamdi Kanu’s release before the close of 2025. We owe it to our collective conscience to confront this issue with the seriousness it demands, and we call upon our leaders to align their actions with the aspirations and needs of the Igbo people.

Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro

Deputy President General  

Ohanaeze Ndigbo  

**Chief Chinenyeze Ohia**  

National Spokesman  

Ohanaeze Ndigbo

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday dismissed a no-case submission filed by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and ordered him to open his defence in the terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government.

Delivering the ruling, Justice James Omotosho held that a prima facie case had been established against Kanu, noting that it was in his best interest to address the issues raised. The court upheld the arguments of the prosecution, led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, who insisted that Kanu had a case to answer.

Kanu’s counsel, Chief Godwin Kanu Agabi, SAN, had argued that the government failed to present any witness who testified to being incited to violence by his client, stressing that the five DSS operatives who appeared in court only admitted to obtaining statements from Kanu.

Meanwhile, Kanu’s health condition also came under focus during Friday’s proceedings. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) confirmed it has set up a seven-member panel of medical experts to independently evaluate his state of health, following conflicting reports between the DSS medical team and Kanu’s private consultants.

Kanu’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, urged the court to order his transfer to the National Hospital, Abuja, relying on a medical report by Professor Martin Aghaji, a retired professor of medicine, who warned that Kanu’s condition was deteriorating and required urgent specialist care.

The application was opposed by the DSS, with Awomolo describing Professor Aghaji’s findings as exaggerated and alleging that he unilaterally altered Kanu’s medication. He maintained that Kanu’s health complaints were not unusual and could be managed at the DSS facility.

Justice Omotosho subsequently stood down proceedings to prepare a ruling on whether Kanu should be referred to the National Hospital, pending the outcome of the NMA panel’s report.

The court is expected to reconvene next week as Kanu opens his defence in the terrorism trial while awaiting the independent medical findings.

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Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), will today, Friday, September 26, 2025, know his fate at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Justice James Omotosho is expected to deliver a ruling on the no-case submission filed by Kanu after the Nigerian government closed its terrorism case against him.

If upheld, Kanu will be discharged and walk free after years in detention. If rejected, he will be ordered to open his defence on the charges.

Originally fixed for October 10, Justice Omotosho brought the date forward after concluding his ruling earlier than scheduled. Notices were served on both parties—Kanu through his lawyer, Chief Godwin Kanu Agabi (SAN), and the Federal Government through Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), who prosecuted the case.

Defence Arguments

Agabi argued that the Federal Government failed to prove terrorism allegations against his client. Key points raised include:

• No witness testified to being incited to violence by Kanu.
• DSS operatives only obtained his statements without conducting investigations.
• The charges were amended eight times, yet no evidence linked Kanu to violent acts.
• Kanu’s calls for self-defence were within constitutional rights and echoed by other Nigerians, including General T. Y. Danjuma (rtd).
• His long solitary confinement violated international law, which limits it to 15 days.

Agabi urged the court to rule that no prima facie case was established to warrant Kanu’s defence.

Federal Government’s Position

The prosecution maintained that Kanu’s threats to break up Nigeria and establish a Republic of Biafra were deliberate and not empty words.

Wider Implications

The case has heightened tensions in the South-East. Many believe Kanu’s release would help restore peace and order in the region. Political leaders, including Governor Peter Mbah, have consistently appealed for his freedom.

The ruling today will determine whether Kanu finally secures the long-awaited freedom or continues his legal battle.

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