Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday proceeded with judgment in the long-running terrorism case against Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu — despite the defendant’s absence.
The judge ordered the hearing to continue without Kanu, describing his conduct in court as disorderly.
This decision came shortly after the court threw out three new applications filed by the IPOB leader, ruling that the motions lacked merit.
Tension rose during the session when Kanu interrupted proceedings, arguing that judgment could not be delivered because he had yet to submit his final written address.
He raised his voice, demanding, “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 further accused Justice Omotosho of bias and claimed the judge lacked proper legal understanding.
Following a brief stand-down, lead prosecutor Adegboyega Awomolo urged the court to proceed in Kanu’s absence, insisting that the defendant’s repeated disruptions made it impossible to continue with him present.
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Justice Omotosho agreed, noting that although the Constitution guarantees a defendant’s right to be present during trial, persistent misconduct creates legal grounds to continue 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,” he stated.
He added that the court remains a sacred institution, describing the Court of Justice as a “temple of God.”
The judge also observed that Kanu’s behaviour was not new, pointing out that he had shown similar conduct on previous occasions. He further noted that Kanu had already indicated he would not be presenting a defence, and that Thursday’s sitting was strictly for judgment and possible sentencing.
Following the court’s order, security operatives removed Kanu from the courtroom, allowing Justice Omotosho to continue delivering the ruling.