The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, on Friday failed for the second consecutive time to open his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu, who opted to represent himself, informed Justice James Omotosho during the resumed proceedings that his former legal team had not handed over his case file.
He told the court, “My lord, my counsel left the case yesterday, and I have not received the file from them. The few people that would have brought this were precluded from seeing me.”
Following this, the IPOB leader requested an adjournment to allow him adequate time to prepare his defence.
The Federal Government’s counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, did not object to the adjournment but urged the court to enforce its previous directive requiring Kanu to present his defence within six days.
Awomolo said, “I’m aware that there is a standing order for the defendant to defend himself within six days. The defendant wasted yesterday. This is the second day, my lord. I urge your lordship to keep to the standing order.”
In response, Justice Omotosho advised Kanu to make full use of the opportunity granted under Section 36 of the Constitution to present his defence. The judge, however, acknowledged that the court could not compel him to do so if he decided to waive the right.
The court subsequently adjourned the case until Monday, giving Kanu additional time to formally open his defence.
