The Legal Aid Council withdraws from representing Nnamdi Kanu, citing attempts to dictate court proceedings, as his transfer request is struck out

The Legal Aid Council has formally withdrawn from representing Indigenous People of Biafra leader Nnamdi Kanu in his criminal case, citing attempts by the defendant to dictate how his proceedings should be conducted.

Also read: Lawyer confirms transfer of Nnamdi Kanu from Abuja to Sokoto prison

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

Justice James Omotosho granted the withdrawal after counsel from the Legal Aid Council, Demdoo Asan, explained that irreconcilable differences had emerged with the applicant.

Addressing the court, Demdoo Asan said repeated efforts to engage Kanu’s relatives to support the transfer motion had failed, with none appearing to depose to the application despite multiple phone calls and assurances.

The lawyer also accused Kanu of attempting to control the conduct of his legal proceedings, including dictating what counsel should say in court.

“Also, the applicant wants to dictate the tune of the matter; he wants to control what counsel would say. He wants to write down what I would say while in court. But, as an officer of the court, I can’t, in good faith, accept that,” Demdoo Asan told the judge.

He added that, after consultation with his superiors, the Legal Aid Council unanimously decided to withdraw, emphasising that clients cannot control legal proceedings from detention.

The IPOB leader was convicted of terrorism-related offences on November 20, 2025, and sentenced to life imprisonment, a verdict his family has rejected and vowed to appeal.

Kanu had initially filed the transfer motion on December 8, 2025, proposing either the Suleja Correctional Centre in Niger State or a facility in Keffi, Nasarawa State, as alternatives closer to Abuja.

Justice Omotosho, however, ruled the motion incompetent, noting that no proof of service had been filed on the matter.

The ruling praised the Legal Aid Council for upholding the dignity of the court while reinforcing that legal processes must follow proper protocol.

Earlier in the trial, Kanu dismissed his legal team led by former Attorney General Kanu Agabi (SAN) and opted to represent himself.

He repeatedly clashed with the court, challenging its jurisdiction and confronting the judge during hearings.

Also read: Nnamdi Kanu trial broadcast live on Nigerian TV networks

Justice Omotosho previously urged the IPOB leader to engage competent legal representation, warning that criminal prosecutions require expertise beyond personal knowledge.