Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, on Friday, failed to open his defence for the second time at the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, in the alleged terrorism trial.

Mr Kanu, who opted to defend himself, told Justice James Omotosho, upon the resumed hearing, that his disengaged lawyers had yet to hand over the case file to him.

“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,” he said.

The IPOB leader then sought an adjournment to enable him to prepare for his defence.

Although counsel for the federal government, Adegboyega Awomolo, did not oppose the application, the senior lawyer asked the court to stand by the standing order, which directed Mr Kanu to defend himself within six days.

“I’m aware that there is a standing order for the defendant to defend himself within six days. The defendant wasted yesterday. This is the second day, my lord. I urge your lordship to keep to the standing order,” Mr Awomolo said.

Mr Omotosho, who begged Mr Kanu to make judicious use of the opportunity offered to him in line with Section 36 of the constitution to defend himself, said the defendant cannot be forced to do so if he decides to waive the right.

The judge adjourned the matter until Monday for Mr Kanu to open his defence.

(NAN)