The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on count one of the terrorism charges against him, ruling that he forfeited his right to defend himself after repeatedly disrupting court proceedings.
Delivering the judgment on Monday, Justice James Omotosho held that the prosecution’s evidence remained “unchallenged and uncontroverted” following Kanu’s refusal to properly present a defence and his removal from the courtroom earlier in the day for what the court described as consistent unruly behaviour.
“This court, therefore, holds that the prosecution has established count one beyond reasonable doubt,” Justice Omotosho declared.
“Consequently, the defendant is hereby convicted in respect of count one.”
Earlier in the session, the courtroom grew tense after the judge dismissed Kanu’s latest bail application. The IPOB leader immediately objected, demanding the legal basis for denying him bail during trial.
“Show me the law. Any judgement from this court is a kangaroo. It is premeditated,” Kanu shouted, prompting the judge to plead with him to maintain composure.
“You have the right to appeal. Can you excuse me?” Justice Omotosho responded before ordering that Kanu be escorted out.
The court proceeded with the day’s hearing and the eventual conviction in Kanu’s absence.
Justice Omotosho noted that the defence had already submitted its final address, in line with a previous court order, and ruled that Kanu’s fresh bail application fell outside the permissible categories under Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes earlier in the day as Kanu insisted he had not forfeited his right to present a final written address, demanding that the judge hear him before delivering any ruling. Security operatives were forced to remove him after he continued protesting.
Kanu has recently filed multiple motions, including a challenge to the validity of the terrorism charges. He argued that the repealed Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act invalidated the amended charges and asked the court to strike them out, release him, and expunge the “purported” plea of not guilty.
He has also filed a fresh suit at the Court of Appeal seeking to halt today’s judgment, but the appellate court has yet to fix a hearing date.
