By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukeu
The prolonged trial of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has taken another dramatic turn, with proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja stalled on Friday following complaints of deliberate obstruction allegedly orchestrated by the Federal Government.
Justice James Omotosho was forced to adjourn the case to Monday, October 27, 2025, after Kanu appeared in court without his legal team and claimed that his access to essential case files had been blocked.
Kanu told the court that his former lawyers, led by ex-Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), withdrew from the case on Thursday but were prevented from handing over crucial documents to him by security operatives.
Appearing without counsel for the first time since his trial began, the separatist leader said he was unable to open his defence because the Department of State Services (DSS) had restricted his communication and access to materials, a move he described as part of a larger plot to weaken his case.
He informed the court that he intends to call 23 witnesses, including foreign nationals from Ethiopia, Kenya, and the United States, and urged the court to compel the DSS to allow unfettered access to his legal representatives.
In response, Justice Omotosho granted partial relief, directing the DSS to permit additional visitation days—Saturdays and Mondays—and to provide a confidential facility for consultations, after Kanu alleged that operatives had been eavesdropping on his meetings with lawyers.
However, Federal Government counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) objected to further delays, insisting that the defence had wasted time and should not derail the accelerated hearing schedule.
The judge described the issue of the missing case file as “unusual and troubling,” especially given Chief Agabi’s seniority, but said the court would act “in the interest of justice.” He warned that continued disruption could affect other detained defendants awaiting their own hearings.
Kanu, however, maintained that his trial is politically motivated, accusing the government of systematically frustrating his right to a fair hearing.
The court has since adjourned the matter till Monday for further proceedings.