Tension In Court As Nnamdi Kanu Escorted Out, Judge Threatens To Rule In His Absence (Video)

The presiding judge in the terrorism trial of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Justice James Omotosho, has stated that the court reserves the power to deliver judgment in the absence of a defendant if they engage in unruly conduct during proceedings.

The warning came after Kanu was escorted out of the courtroom on Thursday following a heated exchange, during which he challenged one of the court’s rulings.

Before the disruption, Kanu had asked the court to grant him bail and also requested additional time to file his final written address.

However, the prosecution counsel, Solomon Awomolo, SAN, objected to the requests, describing the application for bail as an abuse of court process and urging the court to dismiss all three motions filed by the IPOB leader.

Justice Omotosho went on to dismiss Kanu’s request for bail, denied the application for a stay of proceedings, and also refused the motion seeking more time to submit his final address.

Expressing displeasure over Kanu’s conduct in the courtroom, the judge said the dignity of the judiciary must not be undermined.

“The sanctity of the temple of justice must be respected,” Justice Omotosho said.

He added that based on judicial precedence, a final verdict can be issued even if the defendant is not present in court when their behaviour obstructs proceedings.

The development adds another tense turn to the high-profile case, which continues to draw national and international attention.

More updates soon…