IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu
The embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that his witnesses will arrive from across the globe — including Ethiopia, Kenya, and the United States — to testify in his ongoing terrorism trial.
Appearing before Justice James Omotosho on Friday, Kanu announced that he would personally conduct his own defence after dismissing his legal team led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), a former Attorney-General of the Federation.
“I am Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. I stand for myself,” the IPOB leader declared from the dock as the proceedings commenced.
According to court filings dated October 21, Kanu listed 23 witnesses he intends to call in his defence, comprising both Nigerians and foreign nationals. He categorized them into two groups — those described as “ordinary but material witnesses” and another set he called “vital and compellable,” to be “summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.”
Kanu asked the court for a 90-day period to conclude his defence, given the number of witnesses involved. He also requested that the Department of State Services (DSS) allow his legal representatives increased access to him.
“The current arrangement of two hours every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday is not enough,” he told the court. “I have about 23 witnesses coming from different parts of the world — Ethiopia, Kenya, and the U.S. I will want the court to make an order so these people can have access to me.”
Prosecuting counsel Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) informed the court that the Federal Government was prepared to proceed with the defence but did not oppose Kanu’s request for an adjournment. However, he urged the court to maintain its standing order that required Kanu to present his defence within six days.
Justice Omotosho expressed surprise over Kanu’s claim that his former counsel had not yet handed over the case file. “I am surprised that Chief Agabi would keep the file to himself, having announced yesterday that the defendant will conduct the trial himself,” the judge said.
Nonetheless, in the “interest of justice and fair hearing,” the judge granted Kanu a short adjournment to enable him to obtain the case file. He also directed the DSS to allow Kanu additional access to his legal team on Saturdays and Mondays to aid his preparation.
The court reiterated that Kanu had been given every opportunity to defend himself under Section 36 of the Constitution but urged him to make proper use of the time allocated.
“I beg the defendant in the name of Almighty God to let’s make use of this opportunity,” Justice Omotosho said. “Not making use of this opportunity will deny other people their trial.”
He noted that the court had already extended its sessions — sitting both mornings and afternoons — to ensure Kanu’s trial received accelerated hearing without delaying other pending cases.
Justice Omotosho also ordered the DSS to provide an alternative meeting facility for Kanu and his lawyers, noting that the court would no longer vacate its chambers for pre-trial consultations.
The case was adjourned until October 27 for Kanu to open his defence.
As the proceedings concluded, Kanu attempted to make an additional remark, but the judge directed the registrar to call the next case.
(NAN)
