Tensions ran high at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday when Justice James Omotosho ordered security operatives to remove detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, from the courtroom following a heated confrontation that disrupted ongoing proceedings.
Kanu repeatedly interrupted the court, insisting that judgment could not be delivered in the terrorism case against him unless he was allowed to submit a written address. He challenged the trial judge to show where the law prohibited him from doing so, raising his voice as he protested what he described as an infringement on his legal rights.
His persistent outbursts forced Justice Omotosho to temporarily halt the sitting while security officers escorted Kanu out of the room.
Earlier, the court had dismissed several fresh motions filed by Kanu, describing them as issues previously raised and already decided. Among the rejected requests was an application asking the court to refer aspects of the case to the Court of Appeal. Justice Omotosho ruled that Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 prohibits the stay of proceedings in criminal trials, making such a referral improper at this stage.
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The court also declined Kanu’s renewed request for bail, stating that while the plea would not be granted at this point, some of the arguments raised would be addressed in the final judgment.
However, when the judge prepared to begin reading the long-awaited judgment, Kanu once again protested loudly, insisting that the court lacked jurisdiction until his written address was admitted. His refusal to back down prompted the judge’s directive for his removal.
Thursday’s dramatic scenes underscore the mounting tension surrounding the case, which has drawn national and international attention. The Federal Government’s terrorism charges against Kanu, rooted in his agitation for an independent Biafran state, remain one of Nigeria’s most contentious legal and political battles.