In the long-running terrorist trial of Indigenous People of Biafra leader Nnamdi Kanu, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja began rendering a decision on Thursday without the defendant. After characterizing Kanu's behavior in court as disruptive, the judge ordered that the proceedings proceed without him. The ruling came after the court rejected three new applications that the IPOB leader had submitted, finding them to be unjustified.
Kanu had interrupted the decision, claiming that since he had not submitted his last written address, the court could not move on.
"Which law states that you can charge me on an unwritten law?" he said, raising his voice in court. Show me. Where is the law, Omotosho? Any ruling made by this court is utterly ridiculous.
He said that Justice Omotosho was biased and that the judge didn't know the law.
Citing Kanu's disruptive behavior, the prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo, asked the court to proceed with the trial without Kanu following a short break.
Although a defendant has a constitutional right to be present during a trial, persistent misbehavior may permit the proceedings to proceed without the defendant, according to Justice Omotosho.
"A defendant's trial may be held without him if he misbehaves or behaves erratically during the proceedings," he stated.
The Court of Justice is a temple of God, he said.
He pointed out that Kanu had previously displayed similar behavior on many occasions; therefore, his disorderly demeanor was nothing new.
The court also stated that Thursday's hearing was for judgment and potential punishment, and that Kanu had stated he would not offer a defense.
Kanu was taken out of the courtroom in accordance with the order, and the judge then delivered the decision.