Court Suspends Hearing to Allow Nnamdi Kanu File Defence Affidavit

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday temporarily halted proceedings to enable Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to file a process and depose to an affidavit in his ongoing trial on alleged terrorism offences.

Justice James Omotosho granted the request for a standdown after the counsel to the State Security Service (SSS), Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, made the application. The development followed Kanu’s complaint that SSS officers had repeatedly prevented him from filing his defence documents.

Kanu told the court he had attempted for three days to submit the process but was denied access. “My Lord, I have a process for my defence that I’ve not been allowed to file,” he said.

Responding, an SSS officer explained that the defendant could not file the document earlier because the agency had not received the required communication from Kanu’s former lawyers, who are now acting as consultants. The officer cited security procedures governing Kanu’s movement as the reason for the delay.

Awomolo confirmed that Kanu’s movement must comply with existing court orders but requested a brief suspension to enable the filing. Kanu, however, disputed the SSS explanation, insisting that he had sought to sign the affidavit within the court premises and was refused.

Justice Omotosho subsequently directed court officials and the commissioner for oaths to enter the courtroom with the necessary materials so Kanu could complete the filing immediately. He further ordered that court officials be allowed to visit the SSS facility with court stamps whenever Kanu needs to depose to documents.

The court then proceeded with other cases while Kanu prepared to open his defence later in the day.