The lead counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), has formally withdrawn from representing him in his ongoing trial before the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Agabi announced his withdrawal during Thursday’s proceedings, informing the court that the decision followed Kanu’s resolve to personally take charge of his defence.

Following the announcement, all other Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) on Kanu’s legal team also withdrew their appearances in solidarity.

Confirming the development, Kanu told the court that he had decided to represent himself “for now,” though he did not rule out the possibility of engaging new counsel later.

When the presiding judge asked whether the court should assign a new lawyer to assist him, Kanu declined, insisting he would continue without legal representation at this stage.

Kanu is facing charges bordering on terrorism filed by the Federal Government.

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The lead counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), on Thursday formally withdrew his legal representation from the ongoing terrorism trial before the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Agabi, who has been leading Kanu’s defence team, informed Justice James Omotosho that he and other members of the legal team would no longer be representing the IPOB leader, explaining that the defendant had decided to take over the conduct of his case.

Following Agabi’s announcement, all the Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) previously involved in Kanu’s defence also withdrew their appearance.

Confirming the development, Kanu told the court that he had chosen to represent himself for now, though he might reconsider that position later.

When Justice Omotosho asked whether he should assign a lawyer to assist him, the IPOB leader declined, insisting he would proceed on his own.

Kanu, who is standing trial on seven counts of terrorism brought against him by the Federal Government, further argued orally before the court that it lacked jurisdiction to entertain his case.

The development came on the same day the defendant was scheduled to open his defence.

Justice Omotosho had, on October 16, granted Kanu six consecutive hearing days, beginning October 23, to open and close his case as part of an accelerated hearing schedule.

Earlier filings by the IPOB leader listed several prominent Nigerians as potential witnesses, including former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, Minister of Works Dave Umahi, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), and former Minister of Defence Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), among others.

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The Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory, Miller Dantawaye, has ordered the immediate redeployment of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the Ushafa Division after a viral video showed him slapping a young man during an arrest.

The incident, captured on camera and widely circulated on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, triggered outrage among Nigerians who described the officer’s conduct as unprofessional and a clear abuse of power.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the Commissioner condemned the officer’s actions, describing them as “unacceptable and inconsistent with the core values and ethics of the Nigeria Police Force.”

“The Commissioner of Police strongly condemns the officer’s actions, which fall short of the high standards of discipline, civility, and professionalism expected of police officers,” Adeh stated.

She explained that the officer has been recalled to the command headquarters pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation into the incident.

“Consequently, the officer has been redeployed, and the situation is currently under investigation,” Adeh added.

The police chief also used the opportunity to warn all Divisional Police Officers and their subordinates to maintain professionalism and courtesy in the discharge of their duties, warning that any form of misconduct or abuse of power would attract severe disciplinary measures.

“While administrative disciplinary steps are being taken, CP Dantawaye reminds all officers to remain professional, courteous, and law-abiding in performing their duties,” the statement read.

“Any act of misconduct or abuse of power will not be tolerated.”

The Commissioner further urged residents of the FCT to cooperate with the police and maintain mutual respect to enhance community policing and public safety.

“Mutual respect and cooperation are essential for effective community policing and ensuring public safety,” Dantawaye noted.

The command also encouraged citizens to report suspicious activities or any form of police misconduct through designated communication channels.

This is not the first time a police officer has faced redeployment over misconduct.

In a similar incident earlier this year, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, redeployed the DPO of the Enu-Owa Division after a video surfaced online showing a social media influencer, Adefolarin Ayomiposi (popularly known as Mandykiss), allegedly mishandling a case involving a mother and daughter.

Likewise, in June, the FCT Police Command launched an investigation into another viral video in which officers were accused of harassing a motorist along the Chikakore Bridge area during a routine patrol.

According to Adeh, the command remains committed to ensuring accountability and professionalism across all ranks.

The death toll from Tuesday’s petrol tanker explosion in Essa community, Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State, has risen to 42, with over 60 others injured.

The tragic incident occurred on October 21 when a fuel tanker lost control on the deteriorating Bida–Badeggi–Agaie Road, overturned, and exploded as residents attempted to scoop fuel from the scene.

According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the accident happened between 11:00 am and 12:00 noon.

The explosion claimed the lives of nine men, 24 women, and nine children, while dozens of others, including children, sustained varying degrees of burns.

Victims were rushed to Essa Primary Health Care Centre, Idris Private Hospital, and the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Bida for treatment.

Grieving residents and community leaders blamed the poor condition of the road for the fatal crash. Ibrahim Gaawu, a local leader, called the highway a “death trap” and criticized both state and federal governments for years of neglect.

“This road was built in 1923 and hasn’t been properly reconstructed for decades, despite millions spent,” Gaawu said.

“We are pleading with the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu to urgently fix this road before more lives are lost.”

One eyewitness, Surajo Mohammed, said the explosion occurred shortly after the tanker tipped over.

He claimed the driver, frustrated by the fuel scooping, allegedly set the tanker on fire, triggering the blast.

“People rushed with jerrycans and buckets. Many were trapped in the flames. We’ve already buried 28 victims,” Mohammed recounted.

Emergency response teams, including the Police, DSS, FRSC, NSCDC, NEMA, and local volunteers, were deployed to the scene.

Hussaini Isah, Head of NEMA Operations for Niger and Kwara States, confirmed that search and rescue efforts were still ongoing as some families continued to search for missing loved ones.

Residents from Essa and neighboring communities have renewed calls for urgent rehabilitation of the Bida–Badeggi–Agaie Road, warning that continued government inaction could lead to even more tragedies.