Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday began delivering judgment in the long-running terrorism trial of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu in the defendant’s absence.
The judge ruled that proceedings would continue without Kanu after describing his behaviour in court as unruly. This followed the dismissal of three fresh motions filed by the IPOB leader, which the court deemed unmeritorious.
During the session, Kanu interjected, insisting that the court could not proceed because he had not filed his final written address. He raised his voice in court, challenging the legality of the charges:
“‘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.”
He also accused Justice Omotosho of bias and claimed that the judge lacked understanding of the law.
After a brief recess, the prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo, urged the court to proceed without Kanu, citing his disruptive conduct.
Justice Omotosho stated that while a defendant has a constitutional right to be present during trial, repeated misconduct can allow proceedings to continue in their absence:
“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 described the Court of Justice as a temple of God, noting that Kanu’s unruly attitude was not new and had occurred multiple times in the past. He added that Kanu had indicated he would not present a defence, and that Thursday’s session was for judgment and potential sentencing.
Following the order, Kanu was removed from the courtroom, and Justice Omotosho proceeded with delivering the ruling.
