BREAKING: Judge Orders Nnamdi Kanu Escorted Out of Courtroom Amid Proceedings

Trial Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday ordered security operatives to remove the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, from the courtroom during proceedings in his terrorism trial.

The order came after Kanu repeatedly insisted that judgment could not be delivered on the terrorism charges until the court acknowledged his right to file a written address. He shouted that the trial judge must indicate where in the law it prohibited him from submitting a written address. In response, the court temporarily halted proceedings to allow security operatives to escort him out of the courtroom.

Despite the disruption, Justice Omotosho delivered a ruling dismissing fresh motions filed by Kanu after the case had been slated for judgment. The court noted that the motions contained issues previously raised by the defendant and therefore could not delay proceedings.

Kanu’s request for the case to be referred to the Court of Appeal was also denied, with the court citing Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which prohibits a stay of proceedings in a criminal matter. Additionally, the court refused Kanu’s request for bail, stating that some issues raised in his motions would be considered during the judgment.

As the judge attempted to commence the reading of the judgment, Kanu continued to object, asserting that the court had no jurisdiction to proceed without accepting his written address.