The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Friday, failed to begin his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu told the court that he could not proceed with the trial because he had not been given access to his case file, which he said was essential for him to study and prepare for his defence.
The development comes a day after Kanu dismissed his legal team, led by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), choosing instead to represent himself in court.
When the case was called, the prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), reminded the court that the matter had been scheduled for Kanu to open his defence.
However, taking the stand, Kanu explained that those responsible for delivering his case file to him in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) were denied access, preventing him from obtaining the necessary documents.
He, therefore, pleaded for a short adjournment until Monday, October 27, to allow him to access his case materials and prepare adequately.
Kanu also informed the court that he was expecting witnesses from several countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Kenya, and Ethiopia, and requested permission to meet with them over the weekend.
Awomolo did not object to the request, leading Justice Omotosho to order the DSS to allow Kanu to receive visitors on Saturday and Sunday.
The judge subsequently adjourned the case to October 27 for Kanu to begin his defence, warning that the six days allotted for the presentation of his case would not be extended.