A DRAMATIC chain of events unfolded on Thursday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, as the trial of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, took an unexpected turn forcing a temporary halt in proceedings and ultimately prompting the trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, to rule that judgment would be delivered in the defendant’s absence.
News Point Nigeria reports that the courtroom, packed with journalists, lawyers, security operatives and television crews from NTA, Channels TV, AIT, TVC and other broadcast stations, had been set for the long-awaited judgment in Kanu’s terrorism trial, which was being transmitted live. But tension erupted even before the registrar could formally announce the case.
Trouble began moments after the court registrar attempted to call the matter between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Nnamdi Kanu. Kanu abruptly rose and declared, “My Lord, there is no judgment today because we have joined issues in the matter.”
Justice Omotosho immediately cautioned him, saying: “Defendant, there is decorum in court. Let the registrar call the matters accordingly.”
But the interruption escalated into what the judge described as “unruly behaviour,” prompting the court to order the removal of the microphone placed before the defendant. Kanu refused to comply, heightening the tension in the already charged courtroom.
In response to the increasing disruption, Justice Omotosho stepped out of the courtroom briefly. Proceedings were later resumed, but Kanu continued to raise objections, insisting that the court could not proceed because he had not filed his final written address.
He further accused the court of bias and claimed the judge lacked knowledge of the law remarks that drew murmurs across the courtroom and triggered his eventual expulsion from the trial.
Following the repeated interruptions, security operatives escorted Kanu out of the courtroom on the judge’s orders. Justice Omotosho described his conduct as incompatible with the decorum required during court proceedings.
The judge noted that the defence had been given six days to open and conclude its case, which expired without Kanu electing to present any defence.
The court had fixed November 20 for judgment after foreclosing the defence on November 7.
Justice Omotosho reiterated that the court would have granted an extension had Kanu opted to open his defence, but having refused to do so, he could not claim denial of fair hearing.
With the defendant now absent, Justice Omotosho ruled that the judgment would proceed in line with the law, despite Kanu’s objections.
He dismissed three fresh motions filed by Kanu, motions raised after the case had already been adjourned for judgment describing them as frivolous, belated, and lacking merit.
After the defendant’s removal from the courtroom, Justice Omotosho commenced delivery of the final judgment, marking a significant moment in the high-profile trial that has been closely watched across Nigeria and beyond.
Broadcast crews continued their live coverage as the court delivered the ruling without the presence of the IPOB leader, marking one of the most dramatic days yet in Kanu’s years-long legal battle with the Federal Government.