FILE PHOTO: A member of Nigerian security forces looks on before the court hearing of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, in Abuja, Nigeria, March 19, 2024. REUTERS/Marvellous Durowaiye/File Photo
ABUJA (Reuters) -A Nigerian court on Friday adjourned the terrorism trial of separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu until October 27, after he failed for a second day to open his defence, citing a lack of access to his case file following the dismissal of his legal team.
Kanu, leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra movement, told the Federal High Court in Abuja that he was unable to proceed because his former lawyers had not handed over his case documents.
"My lord, my counsel left the case yesterday, and I have not received the file from them. The few people who would have brought this were precluded from seeing me," Kanu said in court.
He also requested access to visitors over the weekend to help prepare his defence, saying he expected witnesses from Ethiopia, Kenya, the United Kingdom and the United States. The court granted the request and directed the Department of State Services to allow the visits.
Kanu had earlier submitted a list of 23 witnesses, including two Americans, to the court registry.
“The case has been adjourned to Monday, October 27, for the defence to open its case, but be reminded that the six days allocated for the defence shall not be extended when it lapses,” said Justice James Omotosho.
Kanu faces terrorism-related charges stemming from his campaign for the secession of southeastern Nigeria. He denies wrongdoing.
(Reporting by Camillus EbohWriting by Chijioke Ohuocha; editing by Barbara Lewis)
