The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that he will personally conduct his defense in the ongoing terrorism case brought against him by the Federal Government.

This declaration came during Thursday’s proceedings, following the withdrawal of his legal team, led by senior advocate Kanu Agabi (SAN), alongside other Senior Advocates of Nigeria who had been representing him.

The courtroom was thrown into mild surprise when Mr. Kanu told Justice James Omotosho that he intended to take charge of his own defense, stating his decision to act as his own counsel moving forward.

Justice Omotosho, in response, offered to assign a court-appointed lawyer to assist him, but Mr. Kanu declined the offer, insisting that he would proceed without any legal representation.

The court subsequently adjourned to allow Mr. Kanu to prepare for his defense under the new arrangement.

Mr. Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest and extradition to Nigeria in 2021, faces multiple charges bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement.

The self-proclaimed IPOB leader has consistently denied all allegations, maintaining that his movement’s agitation for the independence of Biafra is rooted in self-determination and not in violence or terrorism.

The case, which has drawn both national and international attention, is expected to resume in the coming weeks as Mr. Kanu opens his defense without a legal team.

The Kogi State Government has called on residents of the State to remain calm and vigilant following reports of a planned terrorist attack in parts of Kogi and Ondo States.

In a statement issued by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the Government described the intelligence report as a step towards victory, noting that it demonstrates the proactive work of the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies in protecting Nigerians from criminal elements.

“The report itself is evidence that our security agencies are alive to their responsibilities.

“We commend the DSS for their vigilance and for providing early intelligence capable of preventing such evil plans from being executed,” the statement read.

The Commissioner assured citizens that the Kogi State Government is working closely with the DSS, the Nigerian Army, the Police, and other relevant security formations to ensure that any terrorist attempt is completely foiled before it can threaten lives or property.

“His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, has made security of lives and property a top priority of his administration.

Strategic security measures have been reinforced across the State, and surveillance has been intensified, especially around border communities,” Fanwo added.

He urged residents to go about their normal businesses without fear but to remain security-conscious and report any suspicious movement or persons to the nearest security agency.

“The Government will protect the people at all costs. We will not allow criminals or terror groups to disrupt the peace and progress we have built.

Kogi remains one of the safest states in Nigeria, and we intend to keep it that way,” the statement concluded.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, announced this morning the suspension of its two-week warning strike it declared last week across all public universities in the country.

The union announced the suspension on Wednesday at a press conference held at its headquarters in Abuja.

President of ASUU, Chris Piwuna, explained that the development followed intervention by the Senate and some other well-meaning Nigerians.

However, he said that the National Executive Council of the Union resolved to give the government a one-month window to address all contending areas.