Key Points

• Judge orders security to remove Nnamdi Kanu after courtroom protests.
• Court dismisses Kanu’s fresh motions and denies bail.
• Justice cites law forbidding stays in criminal cases and proceeds with judgement.

Federal High Court Justice James Omotosho ordered security personnel to remove Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, from the courtroom on Thursday.

Kanu insisted that the court could not deliver judgement in the terrorism case filed by the Federal Government without first admitting his written address.

Kanu shouted at the judge, asking where the law prevented him from filing a written submission. As a result, the court paused proceedings and allowed security operatives to escort him out.

Motions dismissed, judgement scheduled

Justice Omotosho dismissed fresh motions filed by Kanu after the case was set for judgement. The court said the motions repeated issues already addressed in earlier proceedings.

The court rejected Kanu’s request to refer the case to the Court of Appeal. It cited section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which bars stays of proceedings in criminal cases.

The judge also denied Kanu’s request for bail. He noted that the points raised in Kanu’s motions would be considered during the judgement.

Tension rises as judgement begins

As the judge tried to start reading the judgement, Kanu stood his ground. He shouted that the court had no authority to proceed without acknowledging his written address. Security officers then removed him from the courtroom.