Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court on Monday ordered that proceedings in the terrorism trial of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu continue in his absence, citing the defendant’s repeated “unruly behaviour” in court.
The ruling followed Kanu’s persistent objections to the court’s decision to dismiss his latest bail application and his insistence on submitting a final written address before judgment. “Show me the law. Any judgment from this court is a kangaroo. It is premeditated,” Kanu shouted, challenging the authority of the presiding judge.
Justice Omotosho reminded the IPOB leader of the court’s mandate, stressing that “This is the Temple of Justice, the Temple of God. Its sanctity must always be maintained. Nobody is above the law.” He cited the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, particularly Section 266, which permits a trial to proceed without a defendant who disrupts proceedings.
Security operatives were subsequently instructed to escort Kanu out of the courtroom as the judge moved forward with delivering judgment. The court reaffirmed that Kanu’s repeated motions and bail requests fell outside the permissible scope under Sections 306 and 266 of the ACJA.
The trial, which has drawn nationwide attention, will proceed toward judgment, with Kanu retaining the option to appeal the ruling at the Court of Appeal. Legal observers described Monday’s events as a rare and dramatic courtroom confrontation, highlighting tensions between the detained IPOB leader and the judiciary.
Justice Omotosho had initially scheduled the judgment for Thursday, November 20, after ruling that Kanu failed to open his defence within the six days allocated to him.