The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Friday, failed to open his defence in his ongoing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja, citing his inability to access his case file.
Kanu, who announced that he would represent himself following the withdrawal of his legal team led by former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), told the court that he could not proceed because he had not been given the case documents necessary to prepare his defence.
The prosecution, represented by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), had informed the court that the day’s session was fixed for Kanu to open his defence.
However, when called upon, the IPOB leader explained that officials responsible for delivering his case file to him at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility had been unable to meet him the previous day.
Kanu therefore prayed the court for a brief adjournment to enable him receive the case file over the weekend and study it ahead of the next sitting.
He also informed the court that he was expecting witnesses from the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US), Kenya, and Ethiopia, and sought permission for the DSS to allow him meet with visitors on Saturday and Sunday to prepare for his defence.
Awomolo did not oppose the application. Consequently, Justice Omotosho granted Kanu’s request and directed the DSS to allow him access to visitors on non-working days strictly for the purpose of preparing his defence.
The court subsequently adjourned proceedings till Monday, October 27, for Kanu to commence his defence, while warning that the six-day window earlier granted him, which began on October 23, would not be extended.
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