IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu Seeks Adjournment, Says DSS Denied Him Case Documents

The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Friday failed to open his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja, claiming he had been denied access to vital case documents.

Kanu told the court that he could not proceed because he had not been granted access to his case file, a situation he said hindered him from adequately preparing for his defence.

The development came barely a day after Kanu dismissed his entire legal team, led by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), choosing instead to represent himself in court.

When the matter was called, prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), reminded the court that the day had been fixed for Kanu to commence his defence.

Taking the stand, however, Kanu explained that those responsible for delivering his case file to him at the Department of State Services (DSS) custody were denied access.

“My Lord, I cannot proceed today because I have not been given my case file to study. Those who were to bring it to me could not gain access,” Kanu told the court.

He then prayed the court for a short adjournment till Monday, October 27, to enable him to review the documents and prepare properly for his defence.

Kanu Seeks Access to Witnesses Abroad

The IPOB leader further revealed that he expected witnesses from several countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Kenya, and Ethiopia, as part of his defence strategy.

He, therefore, sought the court’s permission to receive visitors over the weekend, to facilitate meetings necessary for his preparation.

Court Grants Request, Warns Against Delay

In response, prosecuting counsel Awomolo did not oppose Kanu’s request for an adjournment or his plea to meet visitors.

Following this, Justice James Omotosho directed the DSS to allow Kanu to receive visitors on Saturday and Sunday to enable him to prepare for trial.

The judge then adjourned the case till Monday, October 27, for the defendant to open his defence, while issuing a firm warning that the six days allocated for the defence would not be extended.

“The six days given to the defendant for his defence will not be extended,” Justice Omotosho stated.

Kanu’s ongoing trial stems from terrorism-related charges filed by the Federal Government after his rearrest and extradition from Kenya in 2021.

Friday’s session adds another twist to the long-running legal battle that has seen multiple adjournments, legal team changes, and renewed calls for his release by sympathisers.