Drama In Court: Nnamdi Kanu Fails To Open Defence Again, Judge Adjourns Till Monday

The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Friday, once again failed to open his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Kanu, who had previously opted to represent himself, informed Justice James Omotosho that he was unable to proceed because his former legal team had not handed over his case file.

He said, “My lord, my counsel withdrew from the case yesterday, and I have not received the file from them. The few people who could have delivered it to me were prevented from seeing me.” Kanu, therefore, requested an adjournment to enable him to prepare adequately for his defence.

The prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), representing the Federal Government, did not object to the plea but urged the court to uphold its earlier directive requiring Kanu to present his defence within six days.

Awomolo stated, “My lord, there’s an existing order mandating the defendant to open his defence within six days. He wasted yesterday, and this is the second day. I urge your lordship to maintain the standing order.”

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho advised Kanu to make proper use of the constitutional opportunity for a fair hearing as guaranteed under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution.

However, he clarified that the defendant could not be compelled to continue if he chose to waive the right to defence. The case was subsequently adjourned until Monday for Kanu to finally open his defence.

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