KEY POINTS

• Nnamdi Kanu’s witnesses coming from Ethiopia, Kenya, U.S.

• Court allows him more visitation time to prepare defence.

• Judge warns against further delays in the terrorism trial.

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), told a Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday that his witnesses will be flying in from Ethiopia, Kenya, the United States, and other countries to testify in his ongoing terrorism trial.

Kanu, who has chosen to represent himself, made the disclosure before Justice James Omotosho, saying he intends to call 23 witnesses in total, divided into “ordinary” and “vital” categories. He asked the court to allow a 90-day window to conclude his defence.

Court grants access and adjourns case for Nnamdi Kanu defence

The IPOB leader also asked for extended access to his legal counsel at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility, arguing that his current three-day, two-hour visitation schedule is inadequate.

Justice Omotosho granted the request, allowing Kanu and his team to meet on Saturdays and Mondays to prepare for trial.

Nnamdi Kanu told the court that his former legal team, led by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, had withdrawn from the case and had yet to return the case file, leaving him unprepared to begin his defence.

The prosecution’s counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, did not oppose an adjournment but urged the court to maintain the existing timeline for Kanu’s defence.

Judge warns against further trial delays

Justice Omotosho, noting previous delays, reminded the IPOB leader that the court had created morning and afternoon sessions to ensure speedy hearings.

He cautioned Kanu against wasting more time, saying prolonged delays would affect other pending trials. “I will beg the defendant in the name of Almighty God to let us make use of this opportunity,” the judge said.

The court adjourned the case to October 27, granting Kanu one last opportunity to open his defence.