The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Friday failed for the second time to open his defence in the ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Naija News reports that Kanu, who had earlier opted to represent himself, told Justice James Omotosho that he had not received his case file from his disengaged legal team.
“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,” Kanu said, as he sought an adjournment to prepare his defence.
The lead counsel for the Federal Government, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), did not oppose the request but urged the court to adhere to its earlier order directing Kanu to present his defence within six days.
“I’m 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 ruling, Justice Omotosho appealed to Kanu to make “judicious use of the opportunity” granted under Section 36 of the Constitution, which guarantees his right to a fair hearing.
The judge, however, noted that Kanu could not be compelled to proceed if he chose to waive the right.
He adjourned the case until Monday for the IPOB leader to finally open his defence.
