The move by the leader of the proscribed separatist group, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu to open his defense in the ongoing terrorism trial against him, has again been stalled, as he is yet to prepare for his defense.
When proceedings kicked off and Kanu entered the dock, he had no representation order than himself, having sacked all members of his legal team on the last adjourned date.
Kanu went on to tell the court when asked to commence his defense, that he has not been handed the case file, as those that could have brought the file to him could not see him a day before.
He then asked for more time for the case file to be brought to him in custody.
Kanu also asked the court to order the State Security Service, SSS, to allow foreigners into their facility as they don’t allow that presently, noting that he has 23 witnesses coming from all over the world including the UK, U.S and Ethiopia and they need to be able to meet with him.
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In response, the prosecution counsel, Awomolo Adegboyega, SAN, said he has no objection to the defendant asking for an adjournment, drawing the courts attention to a standing order, noting that the defendant has six days to open and close his case.
Justice James Omotosho in a brief response said he was mindful of granting adjournment because of Kanu’s claim of not having his case file, noting that the allegations that Kanu Agabi did not release the case file was strange and unbelievable but that he would oblige the defendant an adjournment.
He however warned against undue delay especially wastage of the judicial time of the court adding that several other cases have suffered delay because of Kanu’s matter.
The trial Judge then fixed Monday, October 27 for the defendant to open his defense.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
