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Nnamdi Kanu Drops Lawyers, Opts For Self-Defense As Trial Resumes

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21 hours ago

Mar 18, 2025.

Nnamdi Kanu Drops Lawyers, Opts For Self-Defense As Trial Resumes

Nnamdi Kanu Drops Lawyers, Opts For Self-Defense As Trial Resumes.
Family alleges judicial bias, says case has been unfairly handled.
Kanu remains in DSS custody since his extradition from Kenya.

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has decided to personally defend himself in court when his trial resumes on March 21.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a statement released on Tuesday, Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu, confirmed the decision, stating that it was made to ensure a fair hearing, free from the legal delays that have plagued the case.

“On Friday, March 21, when the trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu resumes before Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court in Abuja, he will be taking the bold step of defending himself in court,” the statement read.

Kanu’s decision to represent himself marks a critical moment in his legal battle. His family argues that this move will expose fundamental concerns about the Nigerian judiciary’s handling of cases related to the Biafran self-determination movement.

The statement further accuses the Nigerian judiciary of bias, stating that the absence of traditional legal representation will remove the constraints that often shield injustices.

“The institutional bias that has long plagued this case will be laid bare for the world to see,” the statement read.

Nnamdi Kanu Drops Lawyers, Opts For Self-Defense As Trial Resumes

Kanu’s decision follows his previous legal victory in securing the recusal of Justice Binta Nyako from his case. His family alleges that Nyako defied a Supreme Court ruling and was determined to convict him unfairly.

“The handling of this case by the Federal Government has been marred by prejudice and unfairness from the start,” the statement claimed.

With the case now reassigned to Justice James Omotosho, Kanu’s family insists that all eyes are on the judiciary, warning that any failure to ensure justice will further damage public confidence.

“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 the judiciary,” the statement concluded.

Since his controversial arrest and extradition from Kenya in June 2021, Kanu has remained in solitary confinement at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Abuja.