Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja began delivering judgment on Thursday in the long-running terrorism trial of Indigenous People of Biafra leader Nnamdi Kanu in the absence of the defendant.
The judge ordered that the hearings continue without Kanu, describing his behavior in court as disruptive.
The ruling came after the court dismissed three new motions filed by the IPOB leader, which it ruled unmeritorious.
Kanu interfered during the ruling, claiming that the court could not proceed since he had not filed his final written address.
He raised his voice in court, saying, “‘Which law states that you can charge me on an unwritten law? Show me. Omotosho, where is the law? Any judgment declared in this Court is a complete rubbish.”
He accused Justice Omotosho of bias and alleged that the judge did not grasp the law.
Following a brief pause, the prosecution, lead by Adegboyega Awomolo, asked the court to resume the trial without Kanu, citing his disruptive behavior.
Justice Omotosho mentioned that while a defendant has a constitutional right to be present during trial, repeated misconduct can allow proceedings to continue in their absence.
“If a defendant misconducts himself or acts in an unruly manner during the course of his trial, his trial can be conducted in his absence,” he said.
He also stated that the Court of Justice is a temple of God.
He remarked that Kanu’s disruptive attitude was not new, as he had already demonstrated similar behavior on multiple occasions.
The judge also stated that Kanu had indicated that he would not provide a defense and that Thursday’s session was for judgment and probable punishment.
Following the order, Kanu was taken from the courtroom, and the judge delivered the decision.
