Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that his defense witnesses will be coming from various parts of the world, including Ethiopia, Kenya, and the United States. Kanu, who has opted to defend himself in his ongoing trial for alleged terrorism, listed 23 witnesses in a motion filed on October 21. The witnesses are divided into two categories: “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable” witnesses who will be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.
Kanu has disengaged his legal team, led by Chief Kanu Agabi, and will be defending himself. However, he told the court that he was not prepared to commence his defense due to the non-receipt of the case file from his former lawyers. He also requested more time to prepare his defense, citing the need to interact with his witnesses who will be traveling from abroad.
The court has granted Kanu’s request for an adjournment to enable him to receive the case file and prepare his defense. The judge, Justice James Omotosho, also ordered the Department of State Services to provide access to Kanu on non-working days to facilitate his preparation. The case has been adjourned until October 27 for Kanu to open his defense.
Kanu’s trial has been a subject of interest due to the controversy surrounding the Indigenous People of Biafra, a proscribed group in Nigeria. The group has been advocating for the secession of the southeastern region of Nigeria, which has led to tensions with the federal government. Kanu’s defense is expected to be a significant aspect of the trial, and the court’s decision to grant him more time to prepare is seen as a move to ensure a fair hearing.
The trial has also raised concerns about the treatment of Kanu and other detainees in Nigeria. Kanu has alleged that his conversations with his lawyers were being eavesdropped on by the Department of State Services, which has denied the allegations. The court has ordered the provision of a separate facility for Kanu to meet with his counsel to ensure confidentiality.
The outcome of Kanu’s trial is expected to have significant implications for the Indigenous People of Biafra and the Nigerian government. The case has sparked international interest, with many calling for a fair and transparent trial. As the trial progresses, it is likely to remain a subject of interest and debate in Nigeria and beyond.