The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to Monday, October 27, 2025. The adjournment was granted to allow Kanu time to retrieve his case file from his former legal team and prepare his defence in the ongoing terrorism trial.
Justice James Omotosho announced the new date on Friday after Kanu informed the court that his former lawyers, led by ex-Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), had not yet handed over his case file.
At the resumed hearing, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) appeared for the Federal Government, reminding the court that the day had been scheduled for Kanu to open his defence as previously directed. However, Kanu appeared in court without legal representation.
Holding a bundle of documents, Kanu personally addressed the court, explaining that his former lawyers withdrew from the case the previous day and left with his case file. He pleaded for a brief adjournment to recover and study the documents to prepare adequately for his defence.
He also informed the court of his plan to call 23 witnesses, both local and foreign, and requested an order allowing the Department of State Services (DSS) to grant his foreign witnesses access to him. Additionally, he asked that his lawyers be allowed to visit him on non-working days, a request the judge approved.
Responding, Awomolo described Kanu’s complaint as “strange,” noting that the defendant had spent several hours in court with his former lawyers. He urged the court to enforce its earlier directive that Kanu must conclude his defence within six days.
Justice Omotosho, while admitting that Kanu’s claim was “difficult to believe,” agreed to grant a short adjournment in the interest of justice. He cautioned against unnecessary delays, noting that the prolonged proceedings were affecting other pending cases.
The trial was subsequently adjourned to Monday, October 27, 2025, for Kanu to begin his defence.
