By Micah Jonah, January 28, 2026
The Legal Aid Council of Nigeria has formally withdrawn from representing Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), citing irreconcilable differences over the conduct of his legal proceedings.
The withdrawal came on Tuesday during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Kanu had filed an ex parte motion seeking transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a custodial facility closer to the Federal Capital Territory, proposing either Suleja Correctional Centre in Niger State or a facility in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Justice James Omotosho struck out the transfer application, declaring it incompetent, noting that there was no proof of service to other parties involved in the matter since Kanu filed the motion on December 8, 2025.
Counsel from the Legal Aid Council, Demdoo Asan, explained that repeated efforts to engage Kanu’s relatives to support the application failed. He also accused Kanu of attempting to dictate the conduct of his case, including instructing counsel on what to say in court.
“As an officer of the court, I cannot in good faith accept that,” Asan said. “After consulting with my superiors, the Council unanimously agreed to withdraw. A client cannot control legal proceedings from detention.”
Kanu was convicted of terrorism-related offences on November 20, 2025, sentenced to life imprisonment, a judgment his family has rejected, vowing to appeal. He was subsequently transferred to the Sokoto Correctional Centre after the court ruled that the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja was unsuitable.
Justice Omotosho commended the Legal Aid Council for upholding the dignity of the court, granted the leave for withdrawal.
Kanu had previously dismissed his legal team led by former Attorney General Kanu Agabi (SAN) and opted to represent himself during the trial. His courtroom conduct included repeated clashes with the judge, prompting admonitions and temporary removal from proceedings.
“This is criminal prosecution, not economics,” the judge had warned, urging Kanu to engage proper legal representation and consult experts in criminal law.
The court’s ruling reinforces the principle that legal proceedings cannot be dictated by a defendant from detention, and underscores the importance of compliance with court protocols in high-profile criminal cases.
