At the hearing of the high-profile terrorism and secession case against Nnamdi Kanu leader of the prescribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) the court on Friday, 24 October 2025, heard a dramatic pause when Kanu told the bench he was not ready to proceed with his defence.

He informed the court that he had not been permitted access to his full case file, which is reportedly held in the custody of the DSS, and therefore he could not properly prepare for his defence.

         Nnamdi Kanu asked for a short adjournment until Monday, 27 October, to allow time for counsel or his team to review the documents and for him to meet with visitors over the weekend. According to Daily Post,

The hearing also marked a turning point in Kanu’s defence strategy. Just a day earlier he had reportedly dismissed his legal team led by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi SAN, signalling his intention to represent himself.

The presiding judge, James Omotosho J, warned that the six-day window originally allotted for Kanu’s defence will not be extended because of his request.

The Broader Case Context on Kanu

This development occurs within a trial that has drawn intense national and international scrutiny. Kanu has been charged with terrorism-related offences and treasonable felony by the Federal Government of Nigeria, stemming from his leadership role in IPOB and its advocacy for the restoration of the defunct Republic of Biafra.

He has also filed to call 23 prominent Nigerians as defence witnesses  including former governors, military chiefs and ministers. The fact he is now asserting he lacks access to his own case file raises concerns among observers about the ability to mount a fair defence.

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Questions Raised

• Access to Evidence: Kanu’s claim of being denied full access to his dossier may implicate rights to a fair hearing under Nigeria’s criminal procedure rules and international standards.

• Self-Representation Risks: By choosing to represent himself, Kanu faces enormous challenges in navigating complex terrorism law, evidentiary rules and the heavy burden of calling multiple high-profile witnesses.

• Timing & Strategy: Friday’s request for an adjournment, while perhaps tactically sound, could be seen by the prosecution or court as delaying tactics and the judge explicitly cautioned against extensions.

• Public Confidence & Political Overtones: Given the politically charged nature of this trial and Kanu’s role as a separatist leader, any perceived procedural irregularity may reverberate across southeastern Nigeria and beyond.

The court has adjourned the hearing to Monday, 27 October 2025, when Kanu is expected to formally begin his defence  assuming his access issues are resolved. The judge’s prior direction stated that no further extension beyond the allocated six-day defence window would be permitted.

Observers will be watching closely whether the DSS complies with the court’s direction to allow visitors and deliver the case file to Kanu’s team over the weekend, and whether the self-representation route will hamper or help his case strategy.