Table of Contents
- Detained Leader's Trial
- Failure to Open Defense
- Access to Case File
- Request for Adjournment
- Expectation of Witnesses
- Court's Decision
The detained leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, was unable to begin his defense in his ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday.
Kanu informed the court that he could not proceed because he had not been granted access to his case file, which would allow him to familiarize himself with its contents and adequately prepare for his defense.
This situation arose a day after Kanu dismissed his legal team, led by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi, SAN, and chose to represent himself instead.
When the case was called, prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, reminded the court that the hearing was scheduled for Kanu to begin his defense.
However, Kanu explained that those responsible for delivering his case file to him from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) were unable to reach him.
As a result, he requested a brief adjournment until Monday, October 27, to allow him to access the case file and prepare for his defense.
Kanu also informed the court that he anticipated witnesses from various countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Kenya, and Ethiopia, and sought permission to meet with visitors over the weekend to aid in his preparation.
Awomolo did not oppose this request, leading Justice Omotosho to instruct the DSS to allow Kanu to receive visitors on Saturday and Sunday.
The judge adjourned the case until October 27 for the defendant to commence his defense, cautioning that the six days allotted for Kanu to present his defense would not be extended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Nnamdi Kanu fail to open his defense?
Nnamdi Kanu failed to open his defense because he had not been given access to his case file, which he needed to prepare adequately.
What did Kanu request from the court?
Kanu requested a short adjournment until October 27 to access his case file and also sought permission to meet with witnesses over the weekend to facilitate his preparation.
What was the court's decision regarding Kanu's requests?
The court granted Kanu's request to receive visitors over the weekend and adjourned the case until October 27, emphasizing that the six days allotted for his defense would not be extended.
