Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that he plans to call 23 witnesses from across the world, including Ethiopia, Kenya, and the United States, to defend himself in his ongoing terrorism trial.
Kanu, who recently dismissed his legal team led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed Justice James Omotosho that he would represent himself in court. The IPOB leader stated this on Friday while appearing before the court.
In a motion filed on October 21 and personally signed by him, Kanu categorized his witnesses into two groups—“ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable” witnesses—who he said would be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011. He also requested a 90-day period to conclude his defence.
When the case resumed, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) represented the Federal Government, while Kanu appeared for himself, announcing, “I am Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. I stand for myself.”
However, Kanu told the court that he was not ready to begin his defence, explaining that his former lawyers had not handed over his case file. He added that the three weekly visits allowed by the Department of State Services (DSS) were insufficient for trial preparations, given the number of his witnesses from abroad.
Justice Omotosho, in response, granted Kanu additional access to his legal representatives on Saturdays and Mondays to aid his defence preparation. The judge expressed surprise that Agabi’s team had not handed over the case file, noting that Kanu had previously told the court he would personally handle his case.
The judge, however, granted an adjournment to enable Kanu to retrieve the documents from his former lawyers but maintained that the defendant must comply with the standing order to conclude his defence within the stipulated timeframe.
Justice Omotosho also directed the DSS to provide an alternative meeting space for Kanu and his counsel, stressing that the court would no longer vacate its sessions for pre-trial consultations.
The case was adjourned until October 27 for Kanu to open his defence.
