The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Tuesday concluded a closed-door consultation with his legal team led by former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Kanu Agabi, in preparation for the formal opening of his defence.
The strategic meeting took place inside Courtroom 7 of the Federal High Court headquarters in Abuja, located on the second floor of the complex — the same venue where his ongoing terrorism trial is being heard.
According to the schedule of proceedings issued by Justice James Omotosho on September 16, Tuesday’s session formed part of the defence team’s preparations ahead of October 23, when Kanu is expected to formally open his defence.
Court Grants Six Consecutive Days for Defence
On October 16, Justice Omotosho granted Kanu six consecutive days, beginning October 23, to present and conclude his defence. The decision was in line with the accelerated hearing previously approved to ensure speedy determination of the case.
Although Agabi (SAN) did not object to the schedule, he made an oral application requesting that the court allow his team to hold a private consultation with Kanu outside the surveillance of the Department of State Services (DSS).
He expressed concern that discussions with the defendant within DSS custody might be monitored or recorded, potentially compromising the confidentiality of their legal strategy.
Judge Approves Private Courtroom Meeting
In response, Justice Omotosho granted the request, authorising that the private consultation be conducted inside the courtroom instead. He ruled that only Kanu and his lawyers be present during the session, with no security or court personnel allowed inside.
By the court’s directive, the private meeting was held between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon on October 22, while the trial proper is scheduled to resume Wednesday, October 23, when Kanu is expected to begin his defence.
Tuesday’s development marks a critical turning point in the long-running trial, which has attracted national and international attention since Kanu’s extradition to Nigeria.
Legal observers say the defence phase could determine the trajectory of the case that has dominated Nigeria’s political and judicial landscape for years.
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