Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday ordered that the trial of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, continue without him after the defendant repeatedly disrupted proceedings. The judge, who had begun delivering judgment in the terrorism case, directed security operatives to remove Kanu from the courtroom due to what he described as unruly behaviour.
Tensions rose earlier when the court dismissed three new applications Kanu brought before it. Immediately after the ruling, Kanu objected sharply, insisting that judgment could not be delivered because he had not submitted his final written address. He loudly challenged the legality of the process, accused the judge of bias, and questioned the basis of the charges against him.
Kanu’s outbursts intensified as he demanded that the court show the specific law under which he was being prosecuted, describing any judgment delivered under the circumstances as worthless. His persistent interruptions prompted a brief adjournment. When the session resumed, lead prosecutor Adegboyega Awomolo urged the court to continue the matter in Kanu’s absence, arguing that his conduct had become a deliberate obstruction.
Justice Omotosho agreed, explaining that while defendants are ordinarily entitled to be present during their trials, that right can be forfeited when they repeatedly disrupt proceedings. He noted that Kanu had a history of similar courtroom behaviour and had earlier indicated that he would not be presenting any defence. The judge added that the day had been set aside specifically for judgment and possible sentencing.
After Kanu was escorted out, the court proceeded with delivering the ruling, marking another tense moment in the long-running case.
