A Federal Court in Abuja has delivered a series of rulings, convicting Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on several terrorism related charges.
Delivering the judgement, the judge, Justice James Omotosho stated that the prosecution’s case stood unchallenged following Kanu’s refusal to properly present a defence and his removal from the courtroom earlier in the day over repeated unruly behaviour.
Justice Omotosho found Kanu guilty on two counts linked to engaging in acts of terrorism. The court held that he his repeated declarations of sit-at-home orders, with threats of violence and killings issued through various broadcasts, amounted to terrorism under the relevant laws.
The court also ruled on three additional counts, convicting Kanu of membership of a proscribed organization, and of inciting his followers to violence.
The court provided evidence affirming Kanu’s membership of IPOB and its affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), despite their proscription.
The court further held that broadcasts attributed to Kanu were shown to have encouraged attacks that led to the deaths of security personnel and destruction of public property, including police stations.
It was earlier reported that the court ordered that proceedings — including the delivery of judgment — would continue in the absence of Nnamdi Kanu, citing the IPOB leader’s persistent “unruly behaviour” in the courtroom.
Security operatives subsequently escorted Kanu out of the courtroom as the judge moved on with the day’s proceedings.
The courtroom was tense on Monday as Justice James Omotosho clashed with the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu after delivering a ruling that dismissed his latest bail application.
However, Nnamdi Kanu objected to the ruling and challenged the court to show him the law that says he cannot be granted bail while the case is on trial.
“Show me the law. Justice Omotosho. Show me the law? Any judgement from this court is a kangaroo. It is premeditated,” says Kanu.
“This is the decision. I appeal to you to compose yourself. This is the Temple of Justice,” Justice Omotosho said, turning to Kanu, who appeared visibly agitated.
“Please, I beg you to compose yourself. You have the right to appeal. Can you excuse me?”
The judge later ordered that he should be removed from his court.
Kanu had filed another request for bail in the midst of his trial, but the court held that the application fell outside the permissible categories of bail and was inconsistent with Section 306 of the ACJA.
Justice Omotosho noted that the defence had already entered its final address in compliance with an earlier order of the court.
In a tense courtroom showdown, Nnamdi Kanu, erupted in protest against the presiding judge, Justice Omotosho, insisting on his constitutional right to present a final written address.
Kanu, visibly angered, argued that he had not forfeited this right and demanded that the court hear him before any ruling could proceed.
The courtroom erupted into chaos as Kanu continued to challenge the authority of the judge.
Kanu insisted that the judge must first listen to his final submissions.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of drama as security personnel prepared to escort Kanu out, while he repeatedly called for justice to be served in accordance with the law.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court had on November 7 fixed Thursday, November 20, for judgment after ruling that Kanu failed to open his defence within the six days allocated to him.