Detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, failed to open his defence on Friday in his ongoing terrorism trial against him at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu told the court that he could not proceed because he had not been given access to his case file, to enable him familiarise himself with its detail for adequate preparation.
The development came a day after Kanu dismissed his legal team, led by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi, a senior advocate, opting instead to represent himself.
When the case was called, prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, reminded the court that the matter was fixed for Kanu to begin his defence.
But taking the stand, Kanu explained that those meant to deliver his case file to him in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), could not gain access to him.
He, therefore, prayed the court for a short adjournment till Monday, October 27, to enable him access the case file and prepare for the defence.
Kanu also informed the court that he expected witnesses from several countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Kenya and Ethiopia, and sought an order allowing him to meet visitors over the weekend to facilitate his preparation.
Awomolo did not oppose the application, prompting Justice Omotosho to direct the DSS to permit Kanu to receive visitors on Saturday and Sunday.
The judge adjourned the case till October 27 for the defendant to open his defence, warning that the six days allocated to Kanu to present his defence would not be extended.
