Kanu asked the court for a short adjournment until Monday to access the case file and prepare his defence.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), failed to open his defence in the ongoing terrorism charges levelled against him by the Federal Government when it came up.
Addressing the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, Kanu cited lack of access to his case file as the reason he could not proceed with his defence.
The IPOB leader explained that he needs access to the file to familiarise himself with its contents and prepare adequately for his defence.
Kanu’s submission came a day after he dismissed his legal team, led by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), opting instead to represent himself.
When the case was called, prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), reminded the court that the matter was fixed for Kanu to begin his defence.
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Taking the stand, Kanu 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.
He therefore prayed the court for a short adjournment until Monday, October 27, to enable him to access the case file and prepare.
Kanu further informed the trial judge 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.
Awomolo did not oppose the application, prompting Justice Omotosho to direct the DSS to permit Kanu to receive visitors on Saturday and Sunday.
The judge also adjourned the case until October 27 for the defendant to open his defence and warned that the six days allocated to Kanu to present his defence would not be extended.
