The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was on Thursday, October 24, stalled at the Federal High Court in Abuja after he failed to open his defence for the second time.

Kanu, who opted to represent himself, told Justice James Omotosho that his disengaged lawyers were yet to hand over his case file, leaving him unprepared to proceed.

“My lord, my counsel left the case yesterday, and I have not received the file from them. The few people that would have brought this were precluded from seeing me,” Kanu said.

He therefore requested an adjournment to enable him to properly prepare for his defence.

Counsel to the Federal Government, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), did not oppose the adjournment request but urged the court to uphold the standing order mandating Kanu to defend himself within six days.

“I’m aware there is a standing order for the defendant to defend himself within six days. The defendant wasted yesterday. This is the second day, my lord. I urge your lordship to keep to the standing order,” Awomolo said.

Justice Omotosho appealed to Kanu to make good use of the opportunity granted him under Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution, which ensures the right to fair hearing, but noted that the court could not compel him to proceed if he chose to waive the right.

The case has been adjourned until Monday for Kanu to open his defence.