Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Wednesday held a private consultation with his legal team in preparation for the commencement of his defence scheduled for Thursday, October 23, before the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Kanu, who was brought to court by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), met with his lawyers in Courtroom 7, located on the second floor of the Federal High Court headquarters, where his ongoing trial on terrorism charges is being heard by Justice James Omotosho.
The private meeting was held in line with the schedule of proceedings earlier issued by Justice Omotosho on September 16, allowing Kanu’s defence team to prepare for the opening of their case.
On October 16, the court granted Kanu six consecutive days, beginning from October 23, to open and close his defence as part of an accelerated hearing approved for the matter.
Lead counsel to the IPOB leader, Kanu Agabi, SAN, who previously served as Attorney General of the Federation, had orally applied for a private consultation session between Kanu and his legal team, expressing concern that their discussions at the DSS facility could be monitored or recorded.
Justice Omotosho granted the request, directing that the meeting be held within the courtroom premises — without the presence of DSS officials — to ensure confidentiality between the defendant and his lawyers.
In compliance with the court’s order, the consultation took place between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon on October 22, ahead of the resumption of trial on October 23, when Kanu is expected to formally open his defence.
