By Charles Pemu 
ABUJA — The terrorism trial of the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, escalated into a high-stakes legal confrontation yesterday after his lead counsel, former Attorney-General of the Federation Kanu Agabi (SAN), and the entire legal team withdrew from the case.
Nnamdi Kanu dramatically informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that he would be representing himself, stating his lawyers were “too afraid to mention names” and that he would speak the truth “live here in the courtroom.”
The IPOB leader’s decision has been described by observers as the “boldest and riskiest move Nigeria has ever witnessed,” transforming the courtroom into a potential “battlefield” where legal boundaries may no longer contain the volatile proceedings.
A source close to the case suggested the lawyers’ withdrawal stemmed from “serious tension about what might be revealed in court.” Kanu, now his own counsel, is reportedly determined to mention high-profile names such as FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and former Chief of Army Staff General Tukur Buratai (rtd), all of whom he had previously listed as witnesses to “uncover hidden truths that could shake the foundation of the nation.”
Kanu reportedly declared, sending shockwaves through the courtroom, “When I’m done with Nigeria in this court case, then I can die in peace.”
Meanwhile, in a related development, Lagos State Traditional Ruler Oba Rilwan Akiolu reportedly issued a warning to the Federal Government regarding the potential dangers associated with the direction of the case.
Kanu’s self-representation marks a shift from conventional legal strategy to what many are calling a “battle of truth versus power,” where the defendant has opted for an unfiltered, raw, and loud delivery of his defense.