Our Reporter | Abuja
The long-running terrorism trial of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, took a dramatic turn on Thursday as he was removed from the Federal High Court in Abuja for what the presiding judge described as “unruly” behaviour.
Justice James Omotosho, who began delivering judgment in the high-profile case, ordered that proceedings continue without the defendant after a series of heated exchanges in open court.
Courtroom Drama as Kanu Rejects Proceedings
Tensions escalated when the court dismissed three fresh motions filed by Kanu, ruling them unmeritorious. Visibly agitated, Kanu protested loudly, insisting the judge could not proceed because he had not yet filed his final written address.
In a fiery outburst, he challenged the legitimacy of the charges against him, declaring:
“Which law states that you can charge me on an unwritten law? Show me. Omotosho, where is the law? Any judgment declared in this Court is complete rubbish.”
He accused Justice Omotosho of bias and questioned the judge’s grasp of legal principles. The disturbance forced a short recess.
Prosecution Pushes for Continuation Without Defendant
Upon resumption, the lead prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, urged the court to proceed in Kanu’s absence, describing the conduct as intentionally disruptive.
Justice Omotosho agreed, noting that while a defendant is ordinarily entitled to be present during trial, persistent misconduct can forfeit that right.
“If a defendant misconducts himself or acts in an unruly manner during the course of his trial, his trial can be conducted in his absence,” he ruled, adding that the courtroom remains “a temple of God” and must maintain decorum.
The judge also observed that Kanu’s behaviour was not an isolated incident, stating he had displayed similar conduct on several occasions. He further noted that Kanu had previously indicated he would not be presenting a defence, and that Thursday’s sitting was strictly for judgment and potential sentencing.
Proceedings Continue as Judgment Unfolds
Following the order, security personnel escorted Kanu out of the courtroom, and Justice Omotosho pressed on with delivering the judgment.
The case, which has drawn national and international attention, continues to shape debates on civil liberties, state power, and the future of separatist movements in Nigeria. The outcome of the judgment is expected to reignite discussions around the long-standing tensions between the federal government and the IPOB movement.