Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday proceeded with delivering judgment in the long-running terrorism case involving Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, despite the defendant’s absence in the dock.
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The decision followed what the judge described as repeated unruly behaviour by Kanu, who interrupted the session while three fresh applications he filed were being dismissed for lacking merit. Kanu questioned the legality of the charges and accused Justice Omotosho of bias, shouting in court and challenging the basis of the proceedings.
After a brief adjournment, lead counsel for the prosecution, Adegboyega Awomolo, urged the court to continue with the judgment in Kanu’s absence, arguing that his conduct was obstructing the process. Justice Omotosho agreed, stating that although defendants have a constitutional right to be present, the law allows the court to proceed if a defendant persistently disrupts their own trial.
He described the courtroom as a “temple of God” and noted that Kanu had previously signalled he would not present a defence, adding that the sitting was for judgment and any consequential sentencing.
Following the order, security operatives escorted Kanu out, and Justice Omotosho continued reading the judgment.
