The terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), faced another setback on Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, as Kanu cited his inability to access his case file.
The proceeding before Justice James Omotosho was set for Kanu to open his defence, following the dismissal of his legal team on Thursday, October 23, and his decision to represent himself.
However, the court could not proceed as Kanu informed the court that his former lawyers had yet to deliver the case file to him at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility where he is detained.
The prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), reminded the court that the matter was fixed for Kanu’s defence within a six-day window starting October 23, as mandated by Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution. Kanu, however, explained that Thursday was a non-visitation day at the DSS facility, preventing file delivery.
He added that his usual consultants, including his brother, were also in detention, further hindering his preparation.
Kanu requested an adjournment until Monday, October 27 to enable him review the file over the weekend.
Justice Omotosho granted the adjournment, and also since Kanu told the court that he was expecting witnesses from all over the world, including the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Kenya and Ethiopia and applied for an order that the DSS should allow him access to people even on Saturday and Sunday for the purpose of preparing for his defence.
Justice Omoyosho directed the DSS to allow Kanu recieve visitors on Saturday and Sunday to facilitate file delivery and consultations.
The judge expanded Kanu’s consultation days from three to five per week but issued a warning: the six-day defence period would not be extended, and failure to proceed on Monday could be deemed a waiver of his right to defend. “No one can be forced to defend if they choose to waive it,” Omotosho stated, urging Kanu to use the opportunity judiciously.
This marks the second consecutive delay in Kanu’s defence, following Thursday’s adjournment due to his legal team’s withdrawal.
Administrator and Writer
