The trial of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, suffered yet another setback on Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja after he claimed he had been denied access to his case file by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Kanu, who recently dismissed his legal team led by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), told Justice Omotosho that he could not proceed with his defence because he had not been allowed to familiarise himself with the documents in the case file.
He explained that those assigned to deliver the file to him at the DSS facility could not reach him. The IPOB leader therefore requested a short adjournment until Monday, October 27, to enable him prepare adequately.
Kanu, who is now representing himself, also informed the court that he was expecting witnesses from several countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Kenya, and Ethiopia and asked for an order allowing him to meet with them even on Saturday and Sunday.
Prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), did not oppose the request. Consequently, Justice Omotosho ordered the DSS to grant Kanu weekend access to his visitors to facilitate his defence.
The judge, however, maintained that the six days earlier granted to Kanu to present his defence which began on October 23 would not be extended beyond the stipulated time.
The matter was adjourned till Monday, October 27, for the defendant to open his defence.
