The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday ordered security agents to remove Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, from the courtroom after he refused to allow judgement in his terrorism trial.
Justice James Omotosho said Kanu had repeatedly demanded to know where in the law it stated he could not submit a written address in his defence. The court temporarily halted proceedings so security could escort him out.
The judge had just dismissed new motions Kanu filed, saying they raised points already considered. Kanu’s request to transfer the case to the Court of Appeal was also rejected. The court cited section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which forbids staying proceedings in a criminal matter.
Kanu’s plea for bail was refused, though the judge noted some points from his motions would be addressed during the judgement.
As the court tried to begin reading the judgement, Kanu insisted the court had no authority to proceed without accepting his written address.
