*As Nnamdi Kanu Tells Court My Witnesses Are Coming From Ethiopia, Kenya, Others
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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday adjourned the terrorism trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to Monday, October 27, 2025, after he failed to open his defence due to lack of access to his case file.
Justice James Omotosho granted the request after Kanu informed the court that his former legal team, led by ex-Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, had disengaged from the case on Thursday and had yet to hand over key documents to him.
Representing himself for the first time since the trial began, Kanu arrived in court with a bundle of papers and personally announced his appearance.
“My lord, my counsel left the case yesterday, and I have not received the file from them. Those who attempted to bring the documents were prevented from seeing me,” he said.
Kanu told the court he intends to call 23 witnesses, including foreign nationals from Ethiopia, Kenya and the United States, whom he described as “vital and compellable” under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011. He therefore asked for more time to study his defence materials and requested expanded access for meetings with his counsel and witnesses while in DSS custody.
Justice Omotosho granted part of the request, ordering that Kanu and his lawyers be allowed additional visits on Saturdays and Mondays to aid adequate defence preparation. The judge also directed the DSS to provide a secure facility for confidential consultations, following complaints that operatives were eavesdropping on earlier meetings in court.
However, counsel to the Federal Government, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, argued against any significant delay, reminding the court that an accelerated hearing timeline was already in place.
“The defendant wasted yesterday. This is the second day, my lord. I urge your lordship to maintain the standing order,” he said, adding that the prosecution had already complied with the court’s deadline to close its case.
Justice Omotosho agreed that the issue of the withheld case file was unusual given the seniority of Agabi, but said the court would “allow justice to prevail,” granting a short adjournment with a stern warning.
“I will beg the defendant in the name of Almighty God to make use of this opportunity. Not making use of this opportunity will deny some other people their trial,” he cautioned, noting the number of other detained defendants awaiting hearing — including foreign nationals — whose cases risk further delay.
The judge reiterated that the court had created double sittings — mornings and afternoons — specifically to fast-track Kanu’s matter and would not hesitate to invoke relevant legal provisions if the delay continues.
Earlier, Kanu insisted that his prosecution was politically motivated and reaffirmed his readiness for trial.
“I am Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. I stand for myself,” he declared from the dock.
The court subsequently adjourned the case to Monday, October 27, 2025, ordering that the defence formally commence on that date.
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