Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on Friday, failed for the second time to open his defence in the ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu, who had chosen to represent himself, informed Justice James Omotosho that his disengaged 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 who would have brought it were prevented from seeing me,” he told the court.
The IPOB leader then requested an adjournment to enable him to prepare properly for his defence.
Counsel for the Federal Government, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), did not oppose the request but urged the court to maintain its standing order directing Kanu to open his defence within six days.
“I’m aware 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 ruling, Justice Omotosho advised Kanu to make good use of the opportunity granted him under Section 36 of the Constitution to defend himself, noting that the court could not compel him if he chose to waive the right.
The judge thereafter adjourned the case until Monday for Kanu to open his defence.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.
