The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, will ditch his legal counsels and start representing himself in court when his trial resumes on March 21, 2025.
This was made known by his family as a statement from his younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu, explained on Tuesday that the decision was made to ensure a fair hearing without legal obstacles that have delayed the case.
The statement read, “On Friday, 21 March 2025, when the trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu resumes before Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court Abuja, he will be taking the bold step of defending himself in court.
“This development signals a critical juncture in this case that has already exposed deep-seated concerns about the Nigerian judiciary’s handling of matters tied to the legitimate agitation for Biafra’s self-determination.
“The absence of traditional legal representation will dismantle the usual, ‘as my lord pleases’ constraints that govern judicial proceedings in Nigeria, that has for decades allowed the courts to brazenly subvert the cause of justice under a cloak of deference that shield rather than expose injustice.
“The very foundations of the institutional bias that has long plagued this case will be laid bare for the world to see.
“This decision by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu comes on the heels of successfully forcing the recusal of Justice Binta Nyako who brazenly defied the Supreme Court of Nigeria through her delective implementation of the termination contained in their judgment. She was hell-bent on convicting a person for exercising a right that the laws of Nigeria stated unambiguously that he could.”
The statement further accused the Federal Government of handling the case with bias, stating that Kanu’s decision to defend himself reflects his lack of trust in the judicial process.
“The handling of this case by the Federal Government has been marred by prejudice and unfairness from day one. Onyendu’s shift to self-defence underscores our distrust in a system perceived to be stacked against us and the cause he champions. It also places an immense burden on Justice Omotosho to uphold the principles of fair hearing, fair trial, and the rule of law—principles that have too often been undermined in this politically charged sham trial.
“The world is watching. Any failure by Justice Omotosho to ensure justice is not only done but seen to be done will further erode confidence in a judiciary already criticised for its selective application of the law. The stakes could not be higher, and the implications of this trial extend far beyond the courtroom.”
Kanu’s trial has now been reassigned to Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja after Justice Binta Nyako recused herself following a court order.
Kanu, who has been in solitary confinement at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Abuja since June 2021, had strongly opposed Nyako’s continued handling of the case.
His legal battle follows his controversial arrest and extradition from Kenya.
