The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, preceded by Justice James Omotosho ordered the removal of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), from the courtroom following a series of heated outbursts.
The judge directed operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) to escort Kanu out, ruling that the judgment on his terrorism trial would be delivered in his absence due to his “unruly and violent behaviour.”
The proceedings began with tension as the court sat to rule on three fresh motions filed by the IPOB leader. Justice Omotosho dismissed the motions, which sought to challenge the court’s jurisdiction and transfer issues to the Court of Appeal, describing them as unmeritorious and an attempt to delay the judicial process.
However, as the judge prepared to read the main judgment on the terrorism charges, Kanu erupted in protest. He interjected loudly from the dock, insisting that the court could not proceed because he had not yet filed his final written address.
Witnesses in the courtroom described the scene as chaotic when Kanu raised his voice, accusing Justice Omotosho of bias and incompetence. Kanu, visibly agitated, refused to be silenced by the court registrar or his own legal team.
My lord, there is no judgment today because we have joined issues in the matter. 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 – Kanu
According to reports from the courtroom, the IPOB leader went further, hurling insults at the judge, at one point screaming, “God will punish you.”
After a brief recess to restore order failed to calm the situation, the prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), urged the court to invoke the relevant sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act to continue without the defendant.
Justice Omotosho agreed, stating that while a defendant has a constitutional right to be present at their trial, this right is not absolute if their conduct makes proceedings impossible.
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 – Justice Omotosho ruled
He emphasized that the courtroom is a “temple of justice” where decorum must be maintained, adding that Kanu’s behavior was not a first-time occurrence.
Following the order, DSS operatives moved in and escorted Kanu out of the courtroom. The judge then proceeded to deliver the judgment in the defendant’s absence.
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