Nnamdi Kanu Fails to Open Defense in Terrorism Trial, Court Adjourns Case

Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), failed to commence his defense in a terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Kanu attributed his inability to proceed with his defense to his former legal team still withholding his case file.

During the court session, Kanu announced the dismissal of his legal team led by former Attorney General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi SAN, and requested a short adjournment. The prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo SAN, informed the court that Kanu was scheduled to open his defense but was unable to do so due to the unavailability of his case file.

Kanu sought an order to direct the Department of State Services (DSS) to grant him access to visitors over the weekend to prepare adequately for his defense. The presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, granted Kanu's application for access to visitors and adjourned the matter until October 27, warning that the defense must commence by October 23.