In a dramatic turn of events during a court session on Monday, Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), dismissed his legal team and opted to represent himself. Kanu, who is facing terrorism charges, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Nigerian justice system, accusing it of bias and unfair treatment.
The proceedings, held at the Federal High Court in Abuja, took an unexpected twist when Kanu instructed his lawyers to step aside, stating that he no longer wished to be represented by them. Maxwell Opara, one of Kanu’s attorneys, explained that the IPOB leader was disillusioned with the legal process, as he believed the government had ignored his demands for self-determination.
Opara noted that Kanu viewed himself as a human rights activist fighting for the rights of the Igbo people and expressed frustration over what he saw as the government’s disregard for these concerns, which he believes fuels unrest in the region.
During the session, Kanu also raised concerns about other politically sensitive cases, particularly that of Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), whose legal troubles were resolved through political means. He questioned why his case was being handled differently, suggesting that his detention was politically motivated.
The courtroom grew tense as Kanu used strong language to express his grievances. His lawyers attempted to calm him, but he stood his ground, insisting that they step aside.
“I no longer want you to represent me,” Kanu declared, signaling his intent to handle his own defense, despite having no legal background.
