In a heated session at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice James Omotosho convicted the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on one count of terrorism after ruling that the prosecution’s case was unchallenged due to Kanu’s refusal to properly present a defence and his forced removal from the courtroom over consistent unruly conduct.
Delivering judgment on Monday, Justice Omotosho affirmed, “This court, therefore, holds that the prosecution has established count one beyond reasonable doubt. Consequently, the defendant is hereby convicted in respect of count one.” The ruling followed Kanu’s removal from the court after repeated interruptions and vociferous arguments aimed at the judge and courtroom officials.
The trial’s tension escalated as Kanu objected to the dismissal of his latest bail application. “Show me the law. Justice Omotosho. Show me the law? Any judgement from this court is a kangaroo. It is premeditated,” Kanu declared after the judge turned down his request, referencing what he believed were concurrent judgments of superior courts that should warrant his release.
Justice Omotosho responded, “This is the decision. I appeal to you to compose yourself. This is the Temple of Justice.” Further urging calm, he added, “Please, I beg you to compose yourself. You have the right to appeal. Can you excuse me?” Security operatives then escorted Kanu from the courtroom, with the judge deciding that proceedings—including delivery of judgment—would continue in the absence of the IPOB leader.
Kanu’s defence had previously entered its final address following a court order, but the defendant had filed a motion challenging the validity of the terrorism charges, citing that the repealed Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act rendered the charges unlawful. He requested the court to strike out the case, expunge the “purported plea of not guilty entered by him,” and order his immediate release, claiming the proceedings were a “nullity” and that the charges “disclosed no offence known to law.”
Despite filing a fresh suit before the Court of Appeal in hopes of halting the delivery of judgment, the appellate court had not fixed a hearing date or issued any order by the time the Abuja court delivered its ruling. Eyewitnesses described a tense and chaotic scene as Kanu pressed for his constitutional right to present a final written address, but the judge insisted that the case would proceed regardless.
Observers remarked on the high drama and gravity of the proceedings, which saw the courtroom erupt in protest as Kanu maintained, “Justice must be served in accordance with the law.” Justice Omotosho had reserved judgment after the IPOB leader failed to open his defence within the six days allocated. The conviction marks a critical chapter in a case that has repeatedly tested the boundaries of Nigeria’s judicial process and the IPOB leader’s rights under the constitution.
