Nigeria, Oct. 23 -- The defence team sacked on Thursday by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has reacted to their sudden disengagement.

Mr Kanu, who was scheduled to open his defence in his terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja, suddenly announced his decision to break with the lawyers at the start of Thursday's proceedings.

The lawyers, led by septuagenarian Kanu Agabi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Attorney-General of the Federation, immediately announced their withdrawal from the case and filed out of the courtroom.

Speaking to journalists while still on the court premises, Mr Agabi said the legal team respected Mr Kanu's decision and wished him well.

Speaking to report...