By Correspondent in Abuja.
The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Friday, told the Federal High Court in Abuja that some of his witnesses would be coming from Ethiopia, Kenya, the United States, and other parts of the world to testify in his defence.
Kanu, who recently opted to personally conduct his defence in the alleged terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government, disclosed this before Justice James Omotosho.
Our correspondent recalls that Kanu had, in a motion filed on October 21 and personally signed by him, listed 23 witnesses,both Nigerians and foreigners,he intends to call in two categories: “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses” who would be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.
He therefore prayed the court to grant him a 90-day window to conclude his defence.
The IPOB leader had on Thursday disengaged his legal team led by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), and told the court he would represent himself.
When the case came up on Friday, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) appeared for the prosecution, while Kanu, speaking from the dock, announced his own appearance, saying:
“I am Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. I stand for myself.”
Awomolo informed the court that the matter was fixed for defence and that the prosecution was ready to proceed. But Kanu pleaded for an adjournment, explaining that his former counsel had not handed over the case file to him.
“My lord, my counsel left the case yesterday and I have not received the file from them. The few people who could have brought it were denied access to me,” he said.
Kanu also requested additional visitation days at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility, saying the current schedule,two hours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays,was inadequate for him to prepare his defence with 23 witnesses coming from different parts of the world.
“I want the court to make an order allowing my legal team and witnesses access to me. They are part of those listed in my motion,” he said.
Responding, Awomolo noted that Kanu had ample time to prepare his defence since his no-case submission was dismissed adding that court bailiffs had been serving summonses to witnesses listed by Kanu, contrary to his claim of foreign witnesses.
While he did not oppose the request for adjournment, Awomolo urged the court to maintain its standing order that Kanu should open his defence within six days.
Justice Omotosho, in his ruling, expressed surprise that Chief Agabi had allegedly withheld the case file, but granted an adjournment in the interest of justice and fair hearing.
The judge also granted Kanu’s application to have additional access to his counsel on non-working days, ordering the DSS to allow meetings on Saturdays and Mondays.
“This court is here to do justice to everybody,” Justice Omotosho said, reminding Kanu that the court had created both morning and afternoon sessions to fast-track his trial.
He appealed to the defendant to use the opportunity diligently, warning that prolonging the case would affect other pending matters before the court.
“I beg the defendant, in the name of Almighty God, to make use of this opportunity. Not doing so will delay other trials,” the judge said.
Justice Omotosho further directed the DSS to provide an alternative facility for Kanu’s meetings with his legal team, emphasizing that the courtroom would no longer be vacated for pre-trial consultations.
The matter was adjourned until October 27 for Kanu to open his defence.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
