A dramatic scene unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday when Justice James Omotosho ordered security operatives to remove the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, from his courtroom.

The directive came after Kanu repeatedly interrupted proceedings, raised his voice, and refused to follow the judge’s instructions.

Kanu Challenges Court, Interrupts Proceedings

Before tensions escalated, Justice Omotosho noted that many of the issues raised by Kanu had already been argued numerous times before the same court. He reiterated that the court was bound by earlier rulings and would not reopen matters relating to the Court of Appeal or any stay of proceedings.

The judge clarified that the ongoing matter did not fall under the categories of bail that could be entertained at this stage, adding that the case had reached the point where judgment would be delivered.

Kanu, however, sharply disagreed. He insisted he still had the right to file a final written address. The judge urged him to calm down, but the IPOB leader pushed back, demanding that the judge cite the legal provision that permits waiving a final written address.

“You don’t know the law!” Kanu shouted. “Show me where it says you can waive the right to a final address, Omotosho — show me the law.”

Refusal to Release Microphone Sparks Removal Order

Matters intensified when Kanu refused to hand the microphone back to operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) after the judge instructed him to do so. His defiance prompted Justice Omotosho to direct security personnel to escort him out of the courtroom.

’His Behavior Is Not New,’ Judge Says

Despite ordering Kanu’s removal, Justice Omotosho acknowledged that a defendant has a constitutional right to be present during his trial.

However, he stressed that Kanu’s conduct had disrupted the court, noting that this was not the first time he had behaved in an unruly manner.

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“We have seen instances where the defendant even attacks his own lawyers, shutting them up,” the judge remarked. He added that he had repeatedly appealed to Kanu to comport himself, but “in his usual manner, he refused.”

Trial Continues Without Kanu

Following the disruption, Justice Omotosho ordered that the proceedings continue in Kanu’s absence, clearing the way for the court to move forward despite the dramatic interruption.