Trial Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday directed security officers to remove Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), from the courtroom after he insisted that no judgement should be delivered in the terrorism case brought against him by the Federal Government.
Kanu repeatedly demanded that the trial judge indicate where the law prohibited him from submitting a written address in the proceedings. His persistent interruptions led the court to temporarily suspend the session, allowing security personnel to escort him out of the courtroom.
Justice Omotosho subsequently proceeded to deliver a ruling dismissing fresh motions filed by Kanu after the case was scheduled for judgement. According to the court, the motions largely repeated points previously raised by the IPOB leader.
The court rejected Kanu’s plea to transfer the matter to the Court of Appeal, emphasizing that Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, prohibits a stay of proceedings in criminal cases.
Additionally, the judge denied Kanu’s request for bail, stating that some issues raised in his motions would still be considered during the reading of the judgement.
As Justice Omotosho attempted to commence the judgement, Kanu refused to yield, insisting that the court lacked jurisdiction to proceed without accepting his written address.
What you should know
IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu was forcibly removed from the Federal High Court in Abuja after refusing to allow the court to deliver judgement in his terrorism case.
The judge dismissed Kanu’s repetitive motions, denied his request for bail, and ruled against transferring the case to the Court of Appeal, citing Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. Kanu’s insistence on submitting a written address stalled proceedings, prompting security intervention.
The court affirmed that key issues raised by the defendant would still be considered in the judgement. This development marks a significant moment in the ongoing trial of the separatist leader.
