IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu
The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Friday, failed for the second time to open his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu, who had earlier opted to represent himself in court after disengaging his legal team, informed Justice James Omotosho that his former lawyers were yet to hand over the case file to him.
> “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,” he told the court.
The IPOB leader therefore asked for an adjournment to allow him time to prepare for his defence.
Counsel for the Federal Government, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), did not object to Kanu’s request but urged the court to maintain its existing order requiring the defendant to present his defence within six days.
> “I am 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 said.
In his remarks, Justice Omotosho advised Kanu to make the best use of the opportunity granted to him under Section 36 of the Constitution, which guarantees a defendant’s right to defend themselves.
The judge, however, noted that Kanu could not be compelled to exercise that right if he chose to waive it.
After hearing both sides, Justice Omotosho adjourned the case until Monday for Kanu to open his defence.
(NAN)
