The opening of defence on Friday by the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, in his ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja instituted against him by the Federal government failed to commence as expected on Friday (24/10/25).
At the sitting, Kanu told the court that he could not proceed as he had not been given access to his case file that will enable him familiarise himself with its contents and prepare adequately for his defence.
Explaining the situation after the prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, reminded the court that the matter was fixed for Kanu to begin his defence, the detained IPOB Leader explained that those meant to deliver his case file to him in the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS, could not gain access to him.
To this end, Kanu prayed the court for a short adjournment till Monday, October 27, to enable him access the case file and prepare for the defence.
He also informed the court that he expected witnesses from several countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Kenya and Ethiopia, and sought an order allowing him to meet visitors over the weekend to facilitate his preparation.
Following the decision of Awomolo not to oppose the application, Justice Omotosho directed the DSS to permit Kanu to receive visitors on Saturday and Sunday and adjourned the case till October 27 for the defendant to open his defence, warning that the six days allocated to Kanu to present his defence would not be extended.
Recall, the current development came a day after Kanu on Thursday dismissed his legal team, led by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi, SAN, opting instead to represent himself.
