COURT ADJOURNS NNAMDI KANU’S TRIAL AS DEFENCE FAILS TO COMMENCE AGAIN

 COURT ADJOURNS NNAMDI KANU’S TRIAL AS DEFENCE FAILS TO COMMENCE AGAIN



The ongoing terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has once again been adjourned by the Federal High Court in Abuja after the defendant failed to open his defence for the second consecutive time.

At the resumed hearing on Friday, Kanu—who has opted to personally conduct his own defence—told the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, that he was unable to proceed because his former legal team had not yet handed over his case file.

“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,” Kanu explained, requesting an adjournment to allow him time to prepare adequately for his defence.

In response, the lead counsel representing the Federal Government, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), did not object to the adjournment but urged the court to maintain its existing directive requiring the defendant 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 stated.

Justice Omotosho, in his ruling, reminded the IPOB leader of his constitutional right under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution to defend himself, emphasizing that while the court would not compel him to exercise that right, he must use the opportunity judiciously.

“The court cannot force you to defend yourself if you choose to waive the right. However, you must understand the importance of the opportunity granted under the Constitution,” the judge cautioned.

Consequently, the matter was adjourned until Monday to allow Kanu to commence his defence.

It would be recalled that the case had earlier been adjourned to Friday following the withdrawal of Kanu’s legal team, a development that left him to continue the proceedings without legal representation.

As the high-profile trial continues to generate both national and international attention, the court’s next sitting is expected to determine whether Nnamdi Kanu will finally begin his defence in the long-running terrorism case that has stirred intense political and legal debate across Nigeria and beyond.


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