Kanu’s Trial Delayed Over Denied Access to Case File
The terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was stalled on Friday after he said he could not open his defence.
Kanu told a Federal High Court in Abuja that he had not been handed his case file, preventing him from familiarising himself with its contents and adequately preparing his defence.
The development follows Kanu’s decision to fire his legal team, led by former Attorney General of the Federation Kanu Agabi, on Thursday. He had requested a short adjournment, which the court granted.
On Friday, when the case resumed, prosecuting lawyer Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) announced that it was scheduled for Kanu to open his defence.
Representing himself, Kanu said he could not proceed because his case file, held by the Department of State Services (DSS), had not been made available to him.
He asked the court to adjourn proceedings until Monday, October 27, and requested that the DSS allow him access to witnesses from the UK, USA, Kenya, and Ethiopia over the weekend to prepare his defence.
Justice Omotosho approved the request, instructing the DSS to facilitate Kanu’s meetings with visitors on Saturday and Sunday.
He adjourned the case to October 27, warning that the six-day period granted for Kanu to conduct his defence, which began on October 23, would not be extended.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
