Nnamdi Kanu Fires Entire Legal Team, Will Represent Himself In Court

Nnamdi Kanu Fires Entire Legal Team, Will Represent Himself In Court

Detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu has terminated his entire legal team and announced his intention to represent himself in his ongoing trial. During the resumed hearing on Thursday, Kanu informed the court that he was ready to conduct his own defence. Following this, all senior advocates in his team, led by Kanu Agabi SAN, formally withdrew from the case. Agabi stated that the team, which included Onyechi Ikpeazu, Paul Erokoro, Joseph Akubo, and Emeka Etiaba, respected Kanu’s decision, explaining, “The defendant has taken this case back from us and we respect that.” Kanu then addressed the court from the dock, questioning the court’s jurisdiction to continue the trial. Justice James Omotosho sought confirmation from Kanu that he would represent himself, which he affirmed. The judge ordered the remaining members of his legal team, excluding the SANs, to leave the courtroom. As Kanu began challenging the court’s authority, Ikpeazu requested that he be given time to gather his thoughts, noting that the withdrawal of the senior advocates took effect that morning. The prosecution raised no objection. Justice Omotosho subsequently adjourned the trial to Friday, October 24, for Kanu to officially open his defence.

Read More

Nnamdi Kanu Lists Malami, Wike, Buratai, Others As Witnesses In Terrorism Trial

Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has named former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami among witnesses he intends to call in his ongoing terrorism trial. In a fresh motion he personally signed and filed before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Kanu expressed readiness to begin his defence as directed by the court. According to court documents sighted by the News Agency of Nigeria, the motion—filed on October 21 and marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015—was titled “Notice of Number and Names of Witnesses to be Called by the Defendant and Request for Witness Summons/Subpoena and the Variation of the Time Within Which to Defend the Counts/Charges Against the Defendant.” Kanu stated that the application was in compliance with the court’s October 16 order directing him to open his defence on October 24, 2025. He disclosed plans to call a total of 23 witnesses divided into two categories: “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable” witnesses who would be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011. The IPOB leader asked the court to grant him 90 days to conclude his defence, assuring that he would personally testify, provide a sworn statement denying all allegations, and explain the political context of his words and actions. Among those listed as “compellable witnesses” are the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd); former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd); Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma; Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu; former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; and former Director-General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi. Kanu pledged to submit sworn statements from all voluntary witnesses and to promptly notify the prosecution, stressing that he had no intention of wasting the court’s time. He added that it was in the interest of both the court and the public “that justice is not only done but seen to have been done.” The motion comes shortly after Kanu filed a preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to continue hearing his case. The objection was filed on the same day a team of medical experts appointed by the court submitted a report confirming that Kanu is medically fit to stand trial. Meanwhile, a magistrate court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered the remand of Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others arrested during a protest organised by activist Omoyele Sowore on Monday. The police charged the 13 individuals with criminal conspiracy, disobedience of lawful order, inciting disturbance, and public disturbance—offences contrary to Sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code Law. Those remanded alongside Ejimakor include Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel; Joshua Emmanuel; Wilson Anyalewechi; Okere Nnamdi; Clinton Chimeneze; Gabriel Joshua; Isiaka Husseini; Onyekachi Ferdinand; Amadi Prince; Edison Ojisom; Godwill Obioma; and Chima Onuchukwu. The magistrate directed that all 13 be kept at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending their arraignment on October 24.

Read More

Nnamdi Kanu Lists Malami, Wike, Buratai Among Witnesses in Terrorism Trial

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has named several prominent Nigerians—including former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami (SAN)—as witnesses in his ongoing terrorism trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja. In a motion personally signed by Kanu and filed before Justice James Omotosho, the IPOB leader stated his readiness to commence defence in compliance with the court’s directive. According to court filings sighted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the motion—marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015 and dated October 20—was filed on October 21. It is titled: “Notice of Number and Names of Witnesses to be Called by the Defendant and Request for Witness Summons/Subpoena and the Variation of the Time Within Which to Defend the Counts/Charges Against the Defendant.” Kanu disclosed plans to call 23 witnesses, divided into “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses,” the latter to be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011. He requested a 90-day period to conclude his defence. He also told the court he would personally testify, providing a sworn account of the events and explaining the political context of his statements and actions. Among his proposed “compellable witnesses” are: Former AGF Abubakar Malami Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike Former Minister of Defence Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) Former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd) Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma Minister of Works Dave Umahi Former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu Former DG of the National Intelligence Agency Ahmed Rufai Abubakar Former DG of the State Security Service Yusuf Bichi Kanu assured the court that all voluntary witnesses would submit sworn statements in advance and that his defence team would not delay proceedings. He emphasized that his intention was to ensure “justice is not only done but manifestly seen to have been done.” The motion follows his preliminary objection filed last week, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to continue hearing the case—filed the same day a court-appointed medical panel declared him fit to stand trial. Meanwhile, a magistrate court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered the remand of Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others arrested during Monday’s protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore, which demanded Kanu’s release. The defendants face charges of criminal conspiracy, disobedience of lawful order, and inciting disturbance under Sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code. They have been remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre pending their arraignment on October 24.

Read More

Nnamdi Kanu’s Brother And Lawyer Remanded Over #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest In Abuja

Prince Emmanuel Kanu, brother of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, have been remanded in custody by a Magistrate Court in Kuje, Abuja. The two were arrested during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest on Monday, October 20, and arraigned on Tuesday alongside 11 other individuals. They are facing charges of breach of public peace brought by the police. The protest caused major disruptions in Abuja, affecting workers and commuters across the city. Authorities stated that the demonstration violated an existing court order restricting protests in certain areas. Last week, the Federal High Court in Abuja had prohibited Omoyele Sowore and other protesters from demonstrating near sensitive locations, including the Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way, until the hearing of a pending motion. The injunction was granted by Justice Mohammed Umar after an ex-parte application by the police, represented by lawyer Wisdom Madaki, on behalf of the federal government.

Read More

Tension in Abuja as Security Forces Seal Off Presidential Villa Over Nnamdi Kanu Protest

Heavy security presence enveloped parts of Abuja on Monday amid planned demonstrations demanding the release of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The protest, convened by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore under the #RevolutionNow movement, triggered widespread gridlock across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as security forces mounted tight surveillance around key government institutions. Soldiers, police officers, and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) were deployed in large numbers, sealing off the Three Arms Zone and intensifying stop-and-search operations around the Presidential Villa and adjoining routes. Even staff of the Villa with valid parking permits were turned back and redirected to alternative routes after all access points to the State House were closed. One frustrated staff member posted online: “Please, can someone find out what is going on in the Villa? All access roads are blocked. Nobody is allowed in, even with tags.” The lockdown caused heavy traffic along major routes including the Keffi–Abuja Expressway, where soldiers reportedly mounted checkpoints near the Sani Abacha Barracks as early as 4 a.m. Civil servants and traders commuting from Nyanya, Karu, Mararaba, and Masaka faced long delays. Security blockades were also observed along the Dutse–Bwari axis and Airport Road, forcing travelers heading toward the Central Business District to take detours. One internal memo to workers read: “Good morning, dear colleagues. Please, if you are coming from Airport Road to Central Area, follow Area 1. Security blocked from National Mosque.” Security patrols were also visible around Eagle Square, the Federal Secretariat, and the National Assembly, with officials on high alert to prevent disruptions. Nnamdi Kanu, arrested and extradited to Nigeria in June 2021, remains in custody despite multiple court orders for his release. His supporters continue to demand his freedom, citing concerns about his deteriorating health and prolonged detention.

Read More
Tinubu’s Aide Urges NBA, LPDC to Sanction Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer Aloy Ejimakor for Joining Protest

Tinubu’s Aide Urges NBA, LPDC to Sanction Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer Aloy Ejimakor for Joining Protest

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has called on Nigeria’s legal regulatory bodies to sanction Mr. Aloy Ejimakor, one of the lawyers representing detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, for participating in the ongoing #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja. Onanuga made the statement in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, criticising Ejimakor for joining the demonstration organised by human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore. “I spotted Aloy Ejimakor, one of Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers, among the small group of protesters mobilised in Abuja by Omoyele Sowore,” Onanuga wrote. He argued that Ejimakor’s involvement in the protest undermines legal ethics, noting that Kanu’s case is still before a competent court. “I wonder what Mr. Ejimakor was thinking when he decided to join this shambolic protest. As a lawyer, he should be aware of the principle of sub judice, particularly in relation to the ongoing treason case before the court,” Onanuga said. The presidential aide emphasised that the prosecution had concluded its case, and it was now the responsibility of Kanu’s legal team to focus on preparing a strong defence rather than participating in public demonstrations. “Rather than focusing on preparing a strong case, Mr. Ejimakor has resorted to extra-legal tactics, joining a career anarchist to influence the process. Ejimakor’s action questions his adherence to professional ethics,” he added. Onanuga urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) to review Ejimakor’s conduct and consider appropriate sanctions for what he described as “unethical behaviour.”

Read More

Sowore Flees as Police Disperse ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu’ Protest in Abuja

A peaceful protest calling for the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, reportedly turned chaotic in Abuja as security operatives fired tear gas and shots into the air to disperse demonstrators. The rally, which was led by activist and Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore, was held in the Maitama area of the capital. Witnesses said the police moved in shortly after the protesters began chanting “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now,” leading to a stampede as participants fled the scene. Although live rounds were discharged, there is no confirmation that the bullets were aimed directly at protesters, and no casualties have been reported. Meanwhile, more videos emerging from the capital show parts of Abuja under partial lockdown, with heavy traffic congestion and restricted movement following the security clampdown.

Read More

Tension In Abuja As Security Operatives Fire Live Rounds To Disperse Pro-Kanu Protesters

Protesters demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), were dispersed in chaos on Monday after security operatives allegedly fired live bullets near the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The demonstration, which began around 6:50 a.m. at the Ministry of Women Affairs headquarters, was led by Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow movement and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC). According to Daily Trust, personnel from the Nigerian Police Force, Guards Brigade, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) had tightened security around major government buildings, including the Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Court of Appeal, and Eagle Square. The protesters, who had earlier vowed to march to the Presidential Villa to demand Kanu’s freedom, were met with heavy resistance as they approached the Court of Appeal area. Witnesses said security operatives opened fire, sending protesters running in panic. At first, the demonstrators believed the officers intended to use tear gas, but shock spread when live rounds were discharged from multiple directions. Before the gunfire, Sowore and other protesters were heard pleading with the police, shouting, “Don’t teargas us! Respect the rule of law! We have the right to protest, we’re Nigerians.” The situation quickly descended into chaos as protesters fled in different directions to avoid the bullets. As of press time, armoured vehicles and personnel from the Guards Brigade, DSS, and police remained stationed at strategic locations near the Presidential Villa and surrounding government buildings.

Read More