The leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, failed to begin his defense, during his terrorism trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja. He informed the court that he could not proceed because he has not been granted access to the case file, a document he said is vital for mounting a proper defense.
This development follows his decision on Thursday to dismiss his legal team, which was headed by former Attorney General Nkemdilim Kanu Agabi, and to represent himself. At that time, he asked the court for a short adjournment in order to reorganize his defense.
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The prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), informed the court that the session was set for the defendant to open his defense. Kanu reiterated his inability to go forward without access to the file, which is currently held by the Department of State Services (DSS), where he remains in custody.
Kanu requested that the court grant an adjournment until Monday, October 27, to give him time to examine the documents. He also mentioned that he expects witnesses from the United Kingdom, United States, Kenya and Ethiopia, and sought permission to meet with them over the weekend to prepare. The prosecution raised no objection, and Justice Daniel Omotosho directed the DSS to allow Kanu Saturday and Sunday visitor access.
The court has now adjourned the case until October 27 for Kanu to formally open his defense. The judge warned that the six-day window allocated for his defense, which began on October 23, will not be extended further.
