IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that several of his defence witnesses are expected to travel from abroad, including Ethiopia, Kenya, and the United States, prompting him to request additional time to prepare his case.
Mazi Kanu, who chose to represent himself in the ongoing terrorism trial brought by the Federal Government, addressed Justice James Omotosho on Friday, explaining that the transition from legal representation to self-defence had caused logistical challenges.
The IPOB leader filed a motion on October 21 listing 23 witnesses, divided into two categories: “ordinary but material” witnesses and “vital and compellable” witnesses, the latter to be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.
He urged the court to grant a 90-day timeframe to allow adequate preparation for his defence.
Kanu formally disengaged his legal team, led by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, former Attorney-General of the Federation, on Thursday.
During Friday’s proceedings, he announced his representation from the dock: “I am Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. I stand for myself.”
The trial was set to proceed with the defence phase, represented by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, for the Federal Government.
However, Kanu stated he was not yet ready, citing that his former lawyers had not handed over the case file and that limited visiting hours at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility two hours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday were insufficient to meet witnesses scattered across the globe.
Kanu requested that the court issue orders to allow his witnesses proper access to him and to permit extended consultation time with counsel on non-working days.
In response, Awomolo acknowledged Kanu’s right to defend himself but noted that the standing court order required him to conclude his defence within six days.
He emphasised that summonses had been issued to the witnesses listed and that Kanu had adequate time to prepare.
Justice Omotosho expressed surprise at Kanu’s claim regarding the case file, noting the involvement of Chief Agabi. Nonetheless, in the interest of justice, the court granted an adjournment to enable Kanu to receive the file and ordered that the DSS facilitate extended access to his counsel on Saturdays and Mondays.
The judge reiterated that the court had established morning and afternoon sessions to ensure the case progressed without causing undue delays to other matters.
He further urged Kanu to make full use of the opportunity, highlighting that other defendants, including foreign nationals, were also awaiting trial.
The matter was adjourned to October 27, when Kanu is expected to formally open his defence.
Justice Omotosho also ordered that another DSS facility be provided for private consultation between Kanu and his counsel, stressing that pre-trial interruptions would no longer be entertained.
