Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Thursday sharply disagreed with Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, insisting on his right to submit a written final address in his ongoing trial.
The courtroom witnessed tense exchanges as Kanu, appearing in his usual white attire challenged the judge’s position saying, “You don’t know the law.
However, Nnamdi Kanu challenged the court to show him the law that says he cannot be granted bail while the case is on trial.
“Show me the law. Justice Omotosho. Show me the law? Any judgement from this court is a kangaroo. It is premeditated,” says Kanu.
“This is the decision. I appeal to you to compose yourself. This is the Temple of Justice,” Justice Omotosho said, turning to Kanu, who appeared visibly agitated.
“Please, I beg you to compose yourself. You have the right to appeal. Can you excuse me?”
The judge’s remarks came moments after he reaffirmed that the court could not entertain the application, citing statutory provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which bar courts from granting reliefs capable of stalling ongoing criminal proceedings.
Kanu had filed another request for bail in the midst of his trial, but the court held that the application fell outside the permissible categories of bail and was inconsistent with Section 306 of the ACJA.
Justice Omotosho noted that the defence had already entered its final address in compliance with an earlier order of the court.
With the dismissal of the application, the matter proceeds toward judgment, while Kanu retains the option of challenging the ruling at the Court of Appeal.
Kanu argued that he had not forfeited this right and demanded that the court hear him before any ruling could proceed.
The courtroom erupted into chaos as Kanu continued to challenge the authority of the judge.
READ ALSO: Judge Orders Nnamdi Kanu Removed After Courtroom Disruption Halts Proceedings
Justice Omotosho, ordered that Kanu be removed from the court, triggering a heated exchange.
However, Kanu resisted, insisting that the judge must first listen to his final submissions.
A video from the court room which was cited by First Daily correspondent shows the dramatic moment as security personnel prepared to escort Kanu out, while he repeatedly called for justice to be served in accordance with the law.
The standoff has left proceedings at a standstill, with legal observers noting the rare courtroom spectacle.
The trial, already high-profile and closely followed nationwide, now faces further delays as tensions escalate between Kanu and the judiciary.
First Daily had earlier reported that, the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu addressed the judge and the court as to how a ruling could not be given because the court was not competent to try him in the first instance.