The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was once again halted on Friday, as proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja stalled following his claim of being unable to access his case file.
During the resumed hearing, which was meant for the opening of his defence, Kanu informed the court that he had not received his case documents from his former legal team. According to him, those who attempted to deliver the materials to him at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility were denied access.
“My lord, my counsel withdrew from the case yesterday, and I have not received the file from them. Those who were to bring it to me were not allowed to see me,” Kanu told the court.
As a result, he requested an adjournment to allow him time to obtain and review the file before proceeding with his defence. Consequently, the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, adjourned the matter until Monday, October 27, 2025, to enable the defendant to prepare adequately.
Furthermore, the court directed the DSS to permit Kanu’s visitors access to him over the weekend, including Saturday and Sunday, to ensure he could receive his documents in time. However, Justice Omotosho stressed that the six-day window earlier granted for the defence to open its case would not be extended beyond that period.
On his part, the prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), did not object to the adjournment but reminded the court of the standing order. “My lord, the defendant wasted yesterday, and today makes the second day. I urge your lordship to maintain the standing order for the defence to begin within six days,” he said.
This latest development marks yet another delay in the high-profile case, which has faced repeated adjournments since it began. Nevertheless, the court’s decision to grant Kanu temporary relief while maintaining procedural discipline reflects a balancing act between ensuring fairness and avoiding further delays.
As the case resumes on Monday, all eyes will once again be on the courtroom, with expectations high that the defence will finally open its case—provided the file is delivered in time.
