Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has concluded a private legal consultation with his defence team, led by former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, in preparation for the commencement of his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial.
Kanu, who is currently in custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), was brought to the Federal High Court headquarters in Abuja under tight security, where he met with his legal team in Court 7. The courtroom, situated on the second floor of the complex, had been vacated for the private session by Justice James Omotosho, who is presiding over the case.
The private meeting, which took place between 9:00am and 12 noon, was held as part of preparations for Kanu to open his defence on Thursday, 23 October, as scheduled by the court.
Justice Omotosho, on 16 October, granted Kanu six consecutive days to present and conclude his defence, in accordance with an earlier order for an accelerated hearing. The allocated days begin on 23 October and are expected to cover all stages of the defence’s case.
READ ALSO: Police warn protesters demanding Nnamdi Kanu’s release to obey court order
Although the court had initially allowed six days for the defence without opposition, Agabi made an oral application requesting that Kanu be allowed to confer privately with his legal team, away from DSS premises. He expressed concerns that any communication with Kanu at the DSS facility might be monitored or recorded, potentially breaching attorney-client confidentiality.
Justice Omotosho granted the request and ordered that the private legal consultation take place within the courtroom, with only Kanu and his legal representatives present.
This development marks a significant moment in the long-running legal battle surrounding the IPOB leader, whose case has drawn widespread attention both within Nigeria and internationally.
Kanu is facing charges related to terrorism and separatist activities, all of which he has consistently denied. His trial, which has seen multiple delays and legal challenges, is now entering a critical phase as the defence prepares to present its case in full.
The court is expected to reconvene on Thursday, 23 October, for the official commencement of the defence.
