Legal Aid Council Withdraws from Nnamdi Kanu Representation Citing 'Dictatorial' Conduct
The Legal Aid Council has officially withdrawn its legal representation for Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), following accusations that he attempted to dictate how his case should be handled. This development occurred during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, January 28, 2026, marking another significant turn in Kanu's ongoing legal battles.
Irreconcilable Differences Lead to Withdrawal
Counsel from the Legal Aid Council, Mr. Demdoo Asan, filed the application for withdrawal, citing irreconcilable differences with the defendant. Asan informed the court that Kanu's conduct made it impossible to continue representation in good faith, specifically accusing the IPOB leader of attempting to control legal proceedings from detention.
"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," Asan stated during the court session.
The lawyer further explained that the decision to withdraw was taken after consultation with his superiors at the Legal Aid Council, who unanimously agreed to discontinue representation. Asan emphasized that a defendant cannot control legal proceedings from detention, highlighting the fundamental conflict that led to the withdrawal.
Court Strikes Out Prison Transfer Application
Following the withdrawal, Justice James Omotosho struck out an ex parte motion filed by Kanu seeking his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a custodial facility closer to the Federal Capital Territory. The judge ruled the application incompetent, noting there was no proof of service on relevant parties since it was filed on December 8, 2025.
"To the application itself, the motion was incompetent," Justice Omotosho declared. "There is no proof of service before this court."
Asan revealed that repeated attempts to involve Kanu's relatives in supporting the transfer application had been unsuccessful, despite constant phone communication and promises from family members to appear at their office.
Judicial Commendation and Approval
Justice Omotosho commended the Legal Aid Council counsel for upholding the dignity of the court and granted the withdrawal application. "Having listened to counsel from the Legal Aid Council, I will grant leave for the counsel, and the Legal Aid Council generally, to withdraw from representing the defendant convict," the judge ruled.
This judicial approval formalizes the separation between Kanu and his court-appointed legal representation, leaving the IPOB leader to seek alternative counsel for future proceedings.
Background Context and Recent Developments
Nnamdi Kanu was convicted on terrorism-related charges on November 20 and sentenced to life imprisonment, a judgment his family has rejected while vowing to appeal. Following the conviction, the court ordered his transfer from the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja to the Sokoto Correctional Centre, citing security concerns.
The December 8, 2025 ex parte motion sought relocation to either Suleja Correctional Centre in Niger State or a facility in Keffi, Nasarawa State, but this application has now been struck out due to procedural deficiencies.
In related developments, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, visited Kanu at the Sokoto Custodial Centre during the Christmas season. While Bishop Kukah maintained he was engaging with prisoners as part of his traditional seasonal visits, Kanu's lawyers celebrated the visit as significant recognition of the secessionist leader's situation.
This latest legal setback for Kanu occurs amidst ongoing tensions surrounding his detention and the broader issues of separatist movements in Nigeria's southeastern region. The withdrawal of the Legal Aid Council represents a substantial challenge to Kanu's legal defense strategy moving forward.
