October 24, (THEWILL) — The trial of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, was on Friday, stalled at the Federal High Court in Abuja, following complaints over the non-release of his case file by his former legal team.
Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the matter, adjourned the case till Monday, October 27, to enable Kanu access his case file and prepare for his defence in the terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
At the resumed hearing, lead counsel to the Federal Government, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), announced his appearance and informed the court that the business of the day was for Kanu to open his defence as earlier ordered. However, no lawyer appeared for the defendant.
Kanu, who entered the dock with a bundle of documents, told the court that his legal team, led by a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi (SAN), had yet to release his case file since they were disengaged on October 23. He said this development had hindered his preparation for the defence.
He, therefore, pleaded for an adjournment to enable him retrieve and study the case file, adding that he intended to call 23 witnesses from within and outside the country. He also sought an order directing the Department of State Services (DSS) to permit his foreign witnesses access to him.
In response, Awomolo described Kanu’s complaint as “strange”, noting that the IPOB leader had spent several hours in court with his former lawyers. He urged the judge to maintain the earlier directive that Kanu must open and close his defence within six days.
Justice Omotosho, while expressing disbelief over the claim that Agabi withheld the case file, said the court would nonetheless oblige Kanu’s request in the interest of fair hearing. He, however, cautioned against further delays, noting that several other cases had suffered setbacks due to the prolonged trial.
The judge subsequently adjourned the case to Monday, October 27, for Kanu to open his defence.
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