Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Friday, again failed to open his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja, citing lack of access to his case file and witnesses.
Kanu, who opted to represent himself after his legal team withdrew from the case, told Justice James Omotosho that his former lawyers had not handed over the necessary documents to enable him prepare for his defence.
“My lord, my counsel left the case yesterday, and I have not received the file from them. The few people that would have brought it were prevented from seeing me,” Kanu said.
He also informed the court that he was expecting witnesses from the United Kingdom, the United States, Kenya, and Ethiopia, and requested permission to meet with them over the weekend for preparation.
Justice Omotosho granted the request and directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to allow Kanu receive visitors on Saturday and Sunday.
Although counsel for the Federal Government, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), did not oppose the adjournment, he urged the court to maintain its standing order that Kanu must conclude his defence within six days.
“My lord, there is a standing order for the defendant to defend himself within six days. The defendant wasted yesterday; this is the second day. I urge your lordship to stand by the order,” Awomolo said.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho advised Kanu to use the time wisely, stressing that while the court cannot compel him to defend himself, the six-day window that began on October 23 would not be extended.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until October 27 for Kanu to open his defence.