UPDATED: Drama as court evicts Kanu from court for unruly conduct

Proceeds with judgment

From Godwin Tsa, Abuja

After the drama that saw the eviction of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, from court, Justice James Omotosho has commenced judgment in the terrorism charge against him.

The decision to proceed with the judgment in the absence of the defendant was predicated on his unruly behaviour in court.

The drama started when Kanu told Justice Omotosho that he must not deliver judgement in the terrorism suit brought against him by the Federal Government.

Kanu’s outrage followed the dismissal of his applications, particularly the one asking for him to present a written address to the court.

Kanu had interjected during the ruling, insisting that the court could not proceed as he had not filed his final written address.

He raised his voice in court, demanding, “‘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 claimed that the judge lacked understanding of the law.

Justice Omotosho, at the last sitting on the matter, waived the requirement for final written addresses, saying the court would rely solely on the arguments and materials already on record.

Kanu became livid when the judge told him he could appeal against the decision of the court. All efforts to make him calm down by the judge and security operatives failed. He kept yelling: “You don’t know the law… Don’t touch me… God punish you.”

After a brief recess, the prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, 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 judgment.