By Peter Omopo
Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, was removed from the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday after Justice James Omotosho ordered that judgment in his terrorism trial be delivered in his absence due to what the court described as “unruly behaviour.”
Justice Omotosho, who began delivering judgment in the long-running case, ruled that proceedings would continue without the defendant after dismissing three fresh applications filed by Kanu, which the court held lacked merit.
Tension rose in the courtroom when Kanu interrupted the judge during the ruling, claiming that the matter could not proceed because he had not filed his final written address. The IPOB leader raised his voice, challenging the legality of the charges brought against him.
“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 a complete rubbish,” Kanu shouted, accusing the judge of bias and alleging that he lacked understanding of the law.
Following the outburst, the court went on a short recess. When proceedings resumed, lead prosecution counsel Adegboyega Awomolo urged the judge to continue the trial in Kanu’s absence, citing his disruptive conduct.
Justice Omotosho agreed, stating that although a defendant has a constitutional right to be present during trial, persistent misconduct can justify continuation of proceedings without them.
“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,” the judge held, emphasising that the courtroom remains “a temple of God.”
He also noted that Kanu’s behaviour was not unprecedented, recalling that the IPOB leader had exhibited similar conduct on multiple occasions. The judge added that Kanu had previously indicated he would not present a defence, and that the day’s proceedings were strictly for judgment and possible sentencing.
Following the order, security personnel escorted Kanu out of the courtroom, and Justice Omotosho proceeded with delivering the judgment.
