Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday commenced the delivery of judgment in the terrorism trial of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, proceeding in his absence after describing his conduct as unruly.
The court ruled that the trial would continue without the defendant following the dismissal of three fresh motions filed by Kanu, which Justice Omotosho held to be lacking merit.
Trouble began earlier when Kanu interrupted proceedings, insisting that the court could not move forward because he had not filed his final written address. He accused the judge of bias and alleged that the court lacked a proper grasp of the law.
“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.”
Following a brief adjournment, the prosecution team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Adegboyega Awomolo urged the court to proceed in line with Section 352(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, citing Kanu’s persistent disruptive behaviour.
The judgment delivery continued thereafter, marking a significant turning point in the high-profile trial that has spanned several years.
Justice Omotosho further held that although every defendant has a constitutional right to be present during trial, persistent misconduct can justify the continuation of proceedings in their absence. He emphasized that the court remains “a temple of justice and a temple of God,” and must not be disrupted by any party.
The judge noted that Kanu’s unruly conduct was not an isolated incident, pointing out that the IPOB leader had displayed similar behaviour during several previous sittings. He added that Kanu had repeatedly indicated he would not present a defence, stressing that Thursday’s sitting was strictly for judgment and potential sentencing.
Following the court’s order, security personnel removed Kanu from the courtroom, after which Justice Omotosho proceeded with delivering the ruling.