The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that his witnesses for defence will be coming from Ethiopia, Kenya, and the United States, among other countries.
Kanu, who recently disengaged his legal team led by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), told Justice James Omotosho on Friday that he would now defend himself in his ongoing alleged terrorism trial filed by the Federal Government.
In a motion filed on October 21, Kanu disclosed plans to call 23 witnesses divided into two categories — “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses” — the latter to be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.
He asked the court to grant him 90 days to conclude his defence due to the number of witnesses expected from outside Nigeria.
“My lord, my counsel left the case yesterday, and I have not received the file from them.
The few people that would have brought it were precluded from seeing me,” Kanu told the court.
“I have about 23 witnesses coming from different parts of the world — Ethiopia, Kenya, and the U.S. I want the court to make an order so that these people can have access to me,” he added.
Kanu also pleaded for extended access to his lawyers at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility, noting that his current three-day, two-hour schedule (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) was insufficient for proper defence preparation.
Responding, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), who appeared for the Federal Government, said Kanu had been given ample time to defend himself and noted that court bailiffs were already serving summons to some listed witnesses.
However, Justice Omotosho granted Kanu’s request for an adjournment, directing the DSS to allow his counsel additional visitation days — Saturday and Monday — for case preparation.
“This court is here to do justice, and I will do justice to everybody,” the judge said.
“However, I beg the defendant in the name of Almighty God to make use of this opportunity. Not making use of this opportunity will deny other defendants their trials.”
Justice Omotosho also ordered the DSS to provide a new facility for Kanu’s pre-trial meetings with his legal team, warning that the court would not continue to suspend other cases for such purposes.
The case was adjourned till October 27 for Kanu to open his defence.
