“We Were All Shocked As Nnamdi Kanu Took Over His Own Defense” – Obi Aguocha

The member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency of Abia State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Obi Aguocha, has expressed surprise over the decision of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to take over the defense of his own trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Speaking during an interview on Prime Time, a program aired on Arise Television and monitored by ABN TV, Hon. Aguocha revealed that neither the legal team nor Kanu’s supporters expected the move, which unfolded in open court on Thursday.

“Nnamdi Kanu had discussions with the legal team yesterday. All of us were shocked when we came to court and the former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), announced to the court that he and the rest of the legal team—especially the Senior Advocates—were withdrawing,” Aguocha recounted.

The lawmaker said the presiding judge, Justice James K. Omotosho, was equally surprised and sought confirmation from Kanu himself. According to Aguocha, Kanu confirmed that he would, for now, personally handle his legal defense.

“I was pleasantly surprised that Nnamdi Kanu took over the defense of his own case. I was shocked at the same time, because none of us knew about it. I came to court just like I always do, attending the hearings,” he added.

Aguocha, a consistent advocate for Kanu’s fair trial, emphasized that it is the constitutional right of the defendant to be provided with adequate time and facilities to prepare his defense, whether represented by counsel or not.

“It is his constitutional right to choose how he wants to be defended, and to have adequate time and facilities to do so,” he said.

The development comes at a critical phase in Kanu’s long-running trial, which has drawn significant national and international attention. Kanu has been in custody since his controversial rendition from Kenya in 2021, facing terrorism-related charges brought by the Federal Government.