Nnamdi Kanu Kicked Out From Court Over ‘Unruly’ Conduct During Judgment Delivery

• Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja began delivering judgment in the terrorism case against Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
• Nnamdi Kanu was not present during the proceedings due to disruptive behavior in court.
• The court dismissed three new applications filed by Kanu, ruling that they lacked merit.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday began delivering judgment in the terrorism case against Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu. The proceedings went on without Kanu after the judge described his behaviour in court as disruptive.

Before judgment commenced, the court dismissed three new applications filed by Kanu, with Justice Omotosho ruling that the motions lacked merit. The situation escalated when Kanu interrupted the session, arguing that the court could not proceed because he had not submitted his final written address. He accused the judge of bias and claimed the court misunderstood the law.

He reportedly said: “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.”

After a short break, the prosecution, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Adegboyega Awomolo, asked the court to continue the proceedings under Section 352(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, citing Kanu’s repeated interruptions.

Justice Omotosho agreed, noting that although a defendant has a constitutional right to be present during trial, consistent misconduct can justify proceeding without them. He stressed that the courtroom must remain “a temple of justice and a temple of God,” free from disruptions.

The judge also noted that Kanu’s behaviour was not new, pointing to several previous sittings where he acted similarly. He added that Kanu had on many occasions stated that he would not present a defence and reminded the court that the day’s sitting was reserved solely for judgment and possible sentencing.

Following the judge’s order, security personnel escorted Kanu out of the courtroom, after which the court continued with the judgment delivery, marking a pivotal moment in the long-running case.