₦airaland Forum

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to October 27 to enable him to begin his defence, News360 Nigeria reports.

Kanu, during Thursday’s proceedings, dismissed his legal team led by former Attorney General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), leading the lawyers to formally withdraw their representation. He then informed the court of his decision to personally conduct his defence, after which the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, fixed October 24 for the commencement of the case.

However, at Friday’s sitting, Kanu told the court he could not proceed because he had not received his case file. He explained that those who attempted to deliver the documents to him were denied access by the Department of State Services (DSS). He therefore requested more time over the weekend to obtain the file and prepare for Monday’s hearing.

Kanu also pleaded for daily visitation rights instead of the existing schedule of Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to enable him to prepare adequately. He further sought an order allowing foreigners access to the DSS facility, noting that some of the 23 witnesses he plans to call would arrive from the United Kingdom, the United States, and Ethiopia.

The government’s counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), did not oppose the request for adjournment but reminded the court that Kanu had only six days to open and close his defence, as earlier ordered.

Justice Omotosho granted the adjournment and directed the DSS to allow Kanu access to his legal team over the weekend. He advised the defendant to make full use of the fair-hearing opportunity, stressing that other pending cases had been delayed due to the attention given to his trial.

The judge further stated that he would no longer vacate the courtroom for pre-trial conferences between Kanu and his lawyers, as such opportunities had not been effectively utilized. He ruled that future meetings should be held within the DSS facility, with a conducive environment provided for discussions.

The court thereafter adjourned the case to October 27 for the continuation of trial.

Kanu was first arrested in 2015 but fled Nigeria after being granted bail in 2017. He was re-arrested in 2021 and has since remained in DSS custody. The federal government accuses him of inciting violence and pushing for the secession of the South-East through IPOB’s activities.

In a recent application, Kanu indicated his plan to call both “ordinary but material” and “vital and compellable” witnesses under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.

Among those listed as vital witnesses are former Defence Minister Theophilus Danjuma, former Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

Others include former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Minister of Works Dave Umahi, former AGF Abubakar Malami, former NIA DG Ahmed Rufai, former DSS DG Yusuf Bichi, and the current DSS DG Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi.

malali:
Is this the real nNAMDI kanu ?

malali:
Is this the real nNAMDI kanu ?

Fiscus105:
It seems this govt now eager to send this man to prison, once and for all, because the way court proceedings, being fast to reconvene for next sitting on is case, in recent times, is worrisome.

InfoGuru118:
https://news360ng.com/breaking-nnamdi-kanu-fails-to-open-defence-cites-lack-of-access-to-case-file/

Goodlady:
Remove sentiments and emotions.
It's one of the most delicate cases to deliberate or interfere in. So many things lumped up together.

Daddyyin:
Not delicate. There's no way he can escape the consequence of his action. He is trying everything to delay the judgement but the government is ready for him.

DIVINEEVIDENCE:
I'm keenly following MNK's wit in all of this.

Contrary to speculations of mental issues by naysayers, this guy seems to have some serious masterstroke up his sleeves.

ArcSEMPECJ:
You have held someone under detention since 2017 haba ....is that called a Jail term or what

He was granted bail in 2015, the same Federal Government led by late Buhari felt that they need to silence him and decided to bundle themselves to his house, shot so many targeted bullets but he ran away....

I just read somewhere that he fled after granting him bail which is a lie 🤥🤥🤥🤥...

O.P why do you people hate this man so much that even the simple obvious truth, you guys will avoid it

At first, IPOB had no association with Guns , but Federal Government through the then Administration of Buhari forced guns on them after intimidating and killing some of them, even largely intimidating his tribal men and Youths , some of the Youths arrested them are no where to be found....

Sometimes I wonder what we stand to gain in all this , a full fledged Terrorist in the North who has massacred so many people , raped so many women , is not called a Terrorist but a Bandit , even after accepting they are terrorists, they named them REPENTANT ones...lols 😂😂😂😂😂

Today, they are directing the Federal Government on what to do and what not to do in the North, the Government invited them for peace talk and they are allowed to carry their weapons for the peace talk without any arrest made......very pathetic

Yet, a man who has not been seen with a gun, who only breaks the secrets of the Government or POLITICIANS and speaks about their looting is facing trial as a Terrorist....lols 😂😂

Why are there no further killings in the South East by unknown gun men

Who are these unknown gun men

Just to label a man, you have to cause havoc in his home and say he is the prime suspect..