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The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the
detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, could not proceed on Friday as planned.
This was at the behest of the separatist leader, who asked for a short adjournment to enable him have access to his case file.
Kanu, who who had yesterday dismissed his legal team, led by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi, SAN, opting instead to represent himself, was scheduled to open his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
However, he told the court that he was yet to have access to his case file to enable him familiarise himself with its contents and prepare for his defence.
The prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, reminded the court that the matter was fixed for Kanu to begin his defence when the case was called up but Kanu said his case was in the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS, and those meant to deliver it to him had not.
He pleaded for a short adjournment till Monday, October 27, to enable him access the case file and prepare for his defence.
Furthermore, the IPOB leader told the court that he expected witnesses from several countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Kenya and Ethiopia, and sought an order to allow him to meet visitors over the weekend to facilitate his preparation.
Awomolo did not object to the application. Therefore, Justice Omotosho directed the DSS to permit Kanu to receive visitors on Saturday and Sunday and adjourned the case till October 27 for the defendant to open his defence.
However, the judge warned that he would not extend the six days within which Kanu must present his defence.
