The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to October 27 to enable him to begin his defence.
Kanu, during Thursday’s proceedings, dismissed his legal team led by former Attorney General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), leading the lawyers to formally withdraw their representation. He then informed the court of his decision to personally conduct his defence, after which the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, fixed October 24 for the commencement of the case.
However, at Friday’s sitting, Kanu told the court he could not proceed because he had not received his case file. He explained that those who attempted to deliver the documents to him were denied access by the Department of State Services (DSS). He therefore requested more time over the weekend to obtain the file and prepare for Monday’s hearing.
Kanu also pleaded for daily visitation rights instead of the existing schedule of Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to enable him to prepare adequately. He further sought an order allowing foreigners access to the DSS facility, noting that some of the 23 witnesses he plans to call would arrive from the United Kingdom, the United States, and Ethiopia.
The government’s counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), did not oppose the request for adjournment but reminded the court that Kanu had only six days to open and close his defence, as earlier ordered.
Justice Omotosho granted the adjournment and directed the DSS to allow Kanu access to his legal team over the weekend. He advised the defendant to make full use of the fair-hearing opportunity, stressing that other pending cases had been delayed due to the attention given to his trial.
The judge further stated that he would no longer vacate the courtroom for pre-trial conferences between Kanu and his lawyers, as such opportunities had not been effectively utilized. He ruled that future meetings should be held within the DSS facility, with a conducive environment provided for discussions.
The court thereafter adjourned the case to October 27 for the continuation of trial.
Kanu was first arrested in 2015 but fled Nigeria after being granted bail in 2017. He was re-arrested in 2021 and has since remained in DSS custody. The federal government accuses him of inciting violence and pushing for the secession of the South-East through IPOB’s activities.
In a recent application, Kanu indicated his plan to call both “ordinary but material” and “vital and compellable” witnesses under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.
Among those listed as vital witnesses are former Defence Minister Theophilus Danjuma, former Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Others include former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Minister of Works Dave Umahi, former AGF Abubakar Malami, former NIA DG Ahmed Rufai, former DSS DG Yusuf Bichi, and the current DSS DG Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi.
