Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Friday failed for the second time to open his defence in the ongoing terrorism trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

At the resumed hearing, Kanu, who has chosen to represent himself following the withdrawal of his legal team, told Justice James Omotosho 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 that would have brought this were precluded from seeing me,” Kanu said.

He, therefore, sought an adjournment to enable him to prepare adequately for his defence.

Counsel for the Federal Government, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), did not oppose the application but urged the court to adhere to its standing order directing Kanu to open his defence within six days.

“I am 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,” Awomolo said.

Justice Omotosho, while advising Kanu to make good use of the opportunity granted to him under Section 36 of the Constitution, said the court could not compel him to defend himself if he chose to waive that right.

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