*Kanu Tells Justice Omotosho You Do Not Know The Law As He Demands Referral Of His Case To The Court Of Appeal
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In a tense and dramatic turn during what was expected to be a straightforward judgment delivery, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday ordered security agents to physically remove the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, from the courtroom. The outburst halted proceedings momentarily as Kanu vehemently protested the court’s jurisdiction and what he described as the denial of his procedural rights in the terrorism trial against him.
The case, which stems from Kanu’s 2021 rearrest and extradition from Kenya, involves seven counts of terrorism, treasonable felony, and related charges preferred by the Federal Government. The court had adjourned on November 7 for judgment, but Kanu, who is representing himself, filed several fresh motions days before the hearing, including applications for bail, a stay of proceedings, and a request for certain issues to be referred to the Court of Appeal.
When the matter was called, Justice Omotosho consolidated the motions and allowed Kanu to argue them. In his submissions, Kanu contended that the trial court lacked jurisdiction from the outset, insisting that the charges were based on a non-existing law and that the evidence presented by the prosecution had been completely discredited. He focused particularly on Count 7, arguing that the Supreme Court had indicated that the alleged offence cannot stand in law. He also accused the court of violating his right to a fair hearing by waiving his opportunity to file a final written address.
Kanu further renewed his bail request, describing his continued detention as unconstitutional and asking to be released on liberal terms pending the determination of the case. The prosecution, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Adegboyega Awomolo, urged the court to dismiss all the applications and proceed with judgment.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho dismissed the motions as repetitive, noting that they raised issues previously decided. He cited Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, which prohibits stays of proceedings in criminal trials, and refused the request to refer the matter to the Court of Appeal. On the bail application, the judge stated that some of the issues raised would be addressed in the final judgment, effectively declining immediate relief.
As the judge prepared to begin the judgment, Kanu erupted in protest. Standing his ground, he repeatedly demanded that the court show him the legal basis for denying him the right to file a written address. According to witnesses, Kanu shouted: “Show me where it is written in the law that I am not entitled to file a written address.”
The confrontation intensified as Kanu questioned the validity of the charges. He declared: “Which law states that you can charge me on a repealed law? Show me. Any judgment declared in this court is complete rubbish.” He also accused the judge of failing to follow the law, saying: “You do not know the law. Show me where it says you can waive the right to a final address.”
Video clips circulating online captured the chaotic scene, showing Kanu gesturing while surrounded by heavily armed security operatives who later moved in to restrain him. He resisted briefly, resulting in a struggle as he was escorted out of the courtroom. Justice Omotosho then stood down the matter before ordering proceedings to continue in his absence, stating that Kanu’s conduct had disrupted the administration of justice.
Kanu’s trial has remained controversial since his dramatic rearrest in June 2021 after he previously fled the country while on bail in 2017. IPOB, designated a terrorist organisation by the Federal Government in 2017, continues to push for the creation of an independent Biafra republic. Supporters view his trial as politically motivated, while authorities accuse him of inciting violence and threatening national security.
@thenigerialawyer Court As Judge Orders Security To Remove Nnamdi Kanu During Terrorism Judgment
As of the time of filing this report, the court proceedings were still ongoing and the judgment had not yet been delivered.
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