The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that the judgment in the terrorism trial of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu be delivered without him present. Justice James Omotosho cited Section 266(1)(a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 to justify proceeding despite Kanu’s absence.
The judge noted Kanu’s disruptive courtroom behavior and said, “Institutions must be respected,” emphasizing that while the defendant has a constitutional right to be present, that right is not absolute. Kanu was removed after repeatedly objecting and refusing to cooperate during the hearing, insisting on filing his final written address, which the court deemed unnecessary at this stage.
Counsel for the Federal Government argued for continuation based on legal provisions preventing undue trial delays, rejecting Kanu’s claim that the charges were based on repealed laws. Justice Omotosho stressed the need to uphold court sanctity and warned that continued misconduct would not be tolerated.
With proceedings now continuing in his absence, the judgment is being delivered as ordered.
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