The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was once again stalled on Thursday, October 24, after he failed to open his defence for the second consecutive time at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu, who had opted to represent himself, informed Justice James Omotosho that his former legal team had not yet handed over his case file, preventing him from proceeding.
“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,” Kanu told the court.
He, therefore, requested an adjournment to allow him time to prepare for his defence.
While Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), counsel for the Federal Government, did not oppose the request, he urged the court to uphold the existing order directing Nnamdi Kanu to defend himself within six days.
“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,” Awomolo stated.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho advised Nnamdi Kanu to make judicious use of the opportunity granted him under Section 36 of the Constitution, which provides every defendant the right to defend themselves.
However, the judge emphasized that Kanu cannot be compelled to do so if he chooses to waive that right.
The matter was adjourned until Monday for the IPOB leader to open his defence.
