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Legal Aid Council Pulls Out
The Legal Aid Council on Tuesday withdrew from representing Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), accusing him of attempting to dictate the conduct of his case.
Following the withdrawal, the Federal High Court in Abuja struck out an ex parte motion filed by Kanu requesting a transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a facility closer to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Justice James Omotosho granted the withdrawal after counsel from the Legal Aid Council, Demdoo Asan, cited irreconcilable differences with Kanu.
Lawyer’s Statement
Addressing the court, Asan said:
“Despite repeated efforts to engage Kanu’s relatives to support the application, none appeared to depose to the motion.”
He further accused Kanu of trying to control the proceedings:
“The applicant wants to dictate what counsel should say. He wants to write down what I would say in court. As an officer of the court, I cannot accept that.”
After consulting with superiors at the Legal Aid Council, the decision to withdraw was unanimous.
“A client cannot control legal proceedings from detention. We uphold the dignity of the court,” Asan added.
Background: Kanu’s Conviction and Custody
Kanu was convicted of terrorism-related offences on November 20, 2025, and sentenced to life imprisonment—a verdict his family rejected and vowed to appeal.
Following his conviction, he was transferred to the Sokoto Correctional Centre, after the court ruled the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja unsuitable.
On December 8, 2025, Kanu filed an ex parte motion requesting a transfer to a facility closer to Abuja, suggesting either Suleja Correctional Centre in Niger State or a custodial facility in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Court Ruling on Transfer Request
Justice Omotosho struck out Kanu’s transfer application, describing it as incompetent.
“The motion lacked proper service of notice to other parties. Since the last court sitting on December 8, 2025, there is no proof of service before this court,” the judge explained.
The judge also commended the Legal Aid lawyer:
“Having listened to counsel from the Legal Aid Council, I grant leave for them to withdraw from representing the defendant.”
Kanu’s Previous Legal Challenges
Kanu had earlier dismissed his legal team, led by former Attorney General Kanu Agabi (SAN), and chose to represent himself.
During the trial, he clashed repeatedly with the court, challenging its jurisdiction and shouting at the judge while holding his case files.
The judge had repeatedly urged him to seek proper legal counsel:
“You are educated, but you are not a lawyer. This is not economics; this is criminal prosecution. Consult experts in the field. Criminal cases are not like other cases.”
