Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on Friday, was unable to begin his defence for the second time in his ongoing terrorism case at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu, who opted to conduct his own defence, told Justice James Omotosho that his former lawyers had not yet transferred the case file to him.
“My Lord, my counsel left the case yesterday, and I have not received the file from them. The few people who would have brought it were prevented from seeing me,” he told the court.
The IPOB leader then requested an adjournment to enable him to prepare properly for his defence.
Counsel for the Federal Government, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), did not oppose the request but urged the court to maintain its standing order directing Kanu to open his defence within six days.
“I’m aware there is a standing order for the defendant to defend himself within six days. The defendant wasted yesterday; this is the second day, my Lord. I urge your Lordship to keep to the standing order,” Awomolo said.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho advised Kanu to make good use of the opportunity granted him under Section 36 of the Constitution to defend himself, noting that the court could not compel him if he chose to waive the right.
The judge thereafter adjourned the case until Monday for Kanu to open his defence.
According to an earlier report by Politics Nigeria, the case was adjourned to today following Nnamdi Kanu’s withdrawal of his legal team.