The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the Nnamdi Kanu trial to October 27, granting the IPOB leader time to prepare his defence after legal team withdrawal.
The Nnamdi Kanu trial has been adjourned yet again by the Federal High Court in Abuja to Monday, October 27, 2025.
The presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, granted the adjournment to allow the detained IPOB leader time to retrieve his case file and adequately prepare for his defence in the terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
During Friday’s proceedings, the court heard that Kanu’s former legal team, led by ex-Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), had withdrawn from the case and had not yet handed over critical case documents.
This left Kanu without legal representation, prompting him to personally appear before the court and plead for more time to organize his defence.
At the resumed hearing, the prosecution, represented by senior lawyer Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), reminded the court that the matter had been scheduled for the Nnamdi Kanu trial to proceed with the defence phase. However, no counsel was present to represent Kanu.
Appearing alone and holding a bundle of documents, Kanu informed the court that his dismissed legal team had refused to release his case file.
He pleaded with the judge, saying, “My lord, my counsel left the case yesterday, and I have not received the file from them.”
Kanu argued that he could not meaningfully prepare for his defence without access to the relevant materials. He added that he intended to call 23 witnesses—both local and foreign—to testify in his favour.
The IPOB leader also asked the court to compel the Department of State Services (DSS) to grant his foreign witnesses unrestricted access to him while in detention. In addition, he sought permission for his lawyers to visit him on non-working days to facilitate effective consultation.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho granted the request for extended legal access, stressing that fair hearing is a fundamental right. However, he expressed concern over the repeated adjournments that had slowed the Nnamdi Kanu trial since it began.
The judge emphasized that while the court was committed to ensuring fairness, it would not tolerate endless procedural delays.
Omotosho stated that Kanu’s explanation about the withheld case file was “strange and difficult to believe” but that the interest of justice required allowing him the opportunity to prepare. “The court cannot close its doors against a defendant who seeks time to defend himself,” the judge said.
He further warned that the case had already disrupted other pending matters on the court’s docket and urged both parties to be ready to proceed without excuses at the next sitting.
Prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) objected to Kanu’s request, arguing that the defendant’s claim about not receiving his case file was unfounded. He pointed out that Kanu had spent several hours in court with his former lawyers and should have collected the file earlier.
Awomolo insisted that there was a standing order for the Nnamdi Kanu trial to continue without delay, giving the defendant six days to open and close his defence.
“The defendant wasted yesterday. This is the second day, my lord. I urge your lordship to maintain the court’s order regarding the timeline,” he said.
The prosecution warned that continued delays could be perceived as deliberate attempts to frustrate the proceedings and urged the judge to ensure the process remained within the bounds of justice and efficiency.
The Nnamdi Kanu trial remains one of the most closely watched legal battles in Nigeria due to its political and ethnic dimensions. The IPOB leader faces terrorism and treason-related charges, which he insists are politically motivated.
His movement, the Indigenous People of Biafra, has been accused by the government of promoting activities that threaten Nigeria’s unity and security—allegations the group denies.
Human rights organizations and legal experts continue to call for transparency and adherence to due process, arguing that the case will set a precedent for how dissent and political activism are treated in Nigeria’s justice system.
Many also believe that the court’s handling of the matter could influence public confidence in the judiciary’s independence.
Meanwhile, supporters of the IPOB leader have continued to rally for his release, describing him as a symbol of the struggle for self-determination in the South-East region. Conversely, government officials maintain that the charges are legitimate and necessary to preserve national security and rule of law.
The matter has now been adjourned to Monday, October 27, when the Nnamdi Kanu trial is expected to resume. The court has warned that no further delays will be tolerated, and Kanu must be ready to begin his defence.
Observers are watching closely to see if the defendant’s new legal strategy, once his case file is retrieved, will significantly alter the direction of the proceedings. Legal analysts say the coming sessions will be crucial in determining whether the long-running trial moves toward resolution or becomes mired in further procedural disputes.
The renewed adjournment underscores the delicate balance between fairness and judicial efficiency. While the defence argues for adequate preparation, the prosecution insists on adherence to the timeline. The judge’s next steps are expected to shape the momentum of this high-profile case.
More news at ireport247news
About The Author
