Legal Aid Lawyer Withdraws from Kanu’s Case, Cites Dictatorial Conduct

The Legal Aid Council on Tuesday formally withdrew from representing Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), citing attempts by him to dictate the handling of his case.

Following the withdrawal, the Federal High Court in Abuja struck out an ex parte motion filed by Kanu, in which he sought to be transferred from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a facility closer to the Federal Capital Territory.

Justice James Omotosho dismissed the application after Demdoo Asan, counsel from the Legal Aid Council, requested to withdraw from the case due to irreconcilable differences with Kanu.

Speaking in court, Asan explained that repeated attempts to engage Kanu’s relatives in support of the motion had failed. “Since the last adjourned date, I have maintained constant phone communication with the applicant’s relatives. However, they did not come to our office to depose to the application, despite promises and calls,” he said.

The lawyer further accused Kanu of attempting to control the proceedings, including dictating what counsel should say in court. “The applicant wants to direct the matter, even trying to write down what I would say. As an officer of the court, I cannot, in good conscience, accept that,” Demdoo added.

After consulting with the Legal Aid Council leadership, a unanimous decision was made to withdraw, emphasizing that a client cannot control legal proceedings from detention.

Kanu was convicted of terrorism-related offences on November 20, 2025, and sentenced to life imprisonment—a judgment his family has vowed to appeal. Following the conviction, he was moved to the Sokoto Correctional Centre after the court deemed the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja unsuitable. On December 8, 2025, Kanu filed a motion seeking transfer to a facility closer to Abuja, suggesting either the Suleja Correctional Centre in Niger State or a centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho commended the Legal Aid Council for upholding the integrity of the court and granted the withdrawal. “Having listened to counsel from the Legal Aid Council, I will grant leave for them to withdraw from representing the defendant convict,” the judge said.

On the transfer request, the judge ruled the motion incompetent and struck it out. “The motion itself was incompetent. In the interest of justice, the court directed that other parties be served with notice, but from December 8, 2025, until today, there is no proof of service before the court,” he added.

Earlier in the trial, Kanu had dismissed his legal team led by former Attorney General Kanu Agabi (SAN) and opted to represent himself. During proceedings, he frequently clashed with the judge, challenging the court’s jurisdiction and at times being removed from the courtroom.

He was noted to have shouted at the judge, “You don’t know the law,” while holding his case files. The judge repeatedly urged him to engage qualified legal counsel, stressing, “This is not economics; this is criminal prosecution. Consult experts properly. Criminal cases are not like other cases.”