Nnamdi Kanu, the imprisoned leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was unable to begin his defense in the ongoing terrorism trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday for the second time.
Kanu, who had previously chosen to defend himself, reportedly informed Justice James Omotosho that his disengaged legal team had not yet provided him his case file.
“My lord, I have not gotten the file from my lawyer, who left the case yesterday. As he requested a delay to prepare his defense, Kanu stated, “The few people who would have brought this were precluded from seeing me.”
Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), the Federal Government’s main attorney, did not object to the request but instead urged the court to follow its previous ruling that required Kanu to deliver his defense within six days.
“I am aware that the defendant has six days to defend himself under a standing order. Yesterday, the defendant squandered. My lord, today is the second day. Awomolo urged the lordship to adhere to the standing order.
Justice Omotosho urged Kanu to “judiciously use the opportunity” provided by Section 36 of the Constitution, which protects his right to a fair trial, in his decision.
However, the judge pointed out that if Kanu decided to forego the right, he could not be forced to continue.
In order for the IPOB leader to finally launch his defense, he postponed the court until Monday.
