The ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has once again been stalled after he failed to open his defence for the second consecutive time at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
During Thursday’s hearing, Kanu, who had chosen to represent himself, informed Justice James Omotosho that his former legal team had yet to hand over the case file to him following their recent withdrawal from the case.
“My lord, my counsel left the case yesterday, and I have not received the file from them. The few people who could have brought it were prevented from seeing me,” Kanu told the court.
The IPOB leader, therefore, requested an adjournment to enable him to properly prepare for his defence.
Counsel representing the Federal Government, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), did not oppose the request but urged the court to maintain its standing order, which mandates Kanu to open his defence within six days.
“My lord, there is a standing order that the defendant must defend himself within six days. He already wasted yesterday; this is the second day. I urge your lordship to keep to the standing order,” Awomolo said.
In response, Justice Omotosho reminded the defendant that the Nigerian Constitution particularly Section 36 gives him the right to defend himself but clarified that the court cannot compel him to proceed if he chooses not to.
The judge, however, advised Kanu to use the opportunity wisely and not delay the proceedings further.
Consequently, the court adjourned the case until Monday to allow Kanu to open his defence.