Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday began delivering judgment in the long-running terrorism trial of Indigenous People of Biafra leader Nnamdi Kanu in the defendant’s absence.
The judge ordered that the proceedings continue without Kanu after describing his behaviour in court as unruly.
The decision followed the dismissal of three fresh motions filed by the IPOB leader, which the court deemed unmeritorious.
Kanu had interjected during the ruling, insisting that the court could not proceed as he had not filed his final written address.
He accused Justice Omotosho of bias and claimed that the judge lacked understanding of the law.
After a brief recess, the prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo, urged the court to continue the trial without Kanu, citing his disruptive conduct.
Justice Omotosho stated 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 added that the Court of Justice is a temple of God.
He noted that Kanu’s unruly attitude was not new, as he had previously exhibited similar behaviour several times in the past.
The judge added that Kanu had indicated he would not present a defence, and that Thursday’s session was for judgment and possible sentencing.
Following the order, Kanu was removed from the courtroom, and the judge proceeded with delivering the ruling.
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