The embattled leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Friday failed to open his defence in the ongoing terrorism trial before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu cited inability to access the case file as reason he could not open his defence today as earlier ordered by the presiding judge, Justice Kolawole James Omotosho.
The detained separatist group leader said he had not been handed the case file to acquaint himself with its details to enable him adequately prepare for his defence.
Kanu had on Thursday ired his team of lawyers led by former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Kanu Agabi, and prayed the court to grant him a short adjournment till the following day.
However, when the case was called on Friday, the prosecuting lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) told the court that the case was scheduled for the defendant (Kanu) to open his defence.
When it was his turn to speak, Kanu said he would be representing himself.
He then told the court that he would not be able to open his defence because he has not been able to access the case file.
Kanu said those who were to bring the case file to him in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), where he is being held.could.not get to him.
He prayed the court for an adjournment till Monday, October 27 to enable access the case file and familiarise himself with its contents.
Kanu told the court that he was expecting witnesses from all over the world, including the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Kenya and Ethiopia and applied for an order that the DSS should allow him access to people even on Saturday and Sunday for the purpose of preparing for his defence.
Awomolo did not object, following which Justice Omotosho ordered the DSS to allow him to receive visitors in Saturday and Sunday.
He then adjourned till October 27 for the defendant to open his defence, warning that the six days granted Kanu to conduct his defence, which began on October 23, will not be extended
– The Nation
