The trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, was on Friday stalled at the Federal High Court, Abuja, following the reported unavailability of his case file.
Kanu, who appeared in court without his legal team after dismissing his former counsel led by ex-Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), told the court that he could not begin his defence as scheduled because he had not been given access to his case file.
He explained that those assigned to deliver the documents to him at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility where he is detained were denied access.
“I have not been able to review my case file or prepare for my defence,” Kanu informed the court, requesting a short adjournment until Monday, October 27, to allow him adequate time to prepare.
The prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), reminded the court that the matter had been fixed for Kanu to open his defence but did not oppose the defendant’s request for an adjournment.
In response, Justice Omotosho directed the DSS to allow Kanu to receive visitors on Saturday and Sunday, noting that he would need to meet with witnesses and supporters to facilitate his preparation.
Kanu further disclosed that he expects witnesses from the United Kingdom, the United States, Kenya, and Ethiopia to testify in his defence.
The judge consequently adjourned the matter until October 27 for Kanu to open his defence, warning that the six days allotted to him to present his case would not be extended under any circumstances.
