The ongoing terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), stalled on Friday, the 24th of October, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja after he failed to open his defence.
Kanu told the court that he could not proceed because he had not been given access to his case file to enable him familiarise himself with its contents and prepare adequately for his defence.
This came barely a day after he dismissed his legal team led by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi, SAN, and announced his decision to represent himself.
At the hearing, the prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, reminded the court that the matter had been fixed for Kanu to begin his defence.
Taking the floor, Kanu explained that those meant to deliver his case file to him in the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS, could not gain access to him.
He, therefore, prayed the court for a short adjournment till Monday, the 27th of October, to enable him access the case file and prepare for the defence.
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Kanu added that he expected witnesses from several countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Kenya and Ethiopia, and requested an order allowing him to meet with visitors over the weekend to aid his preparation.
Awomolo raised no objection, leading Justice Omotosho to direct the DSS to permit Kanu to receive visitors on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
The court adjourned the case till the 27th of October, for the defendant to open his defence, with a warning that the six days given to him to present his case would not be extended.