Nnamdi Kanu Removed From Court as Chaos Erupts During Trial | Senior Lawyers Back Judge
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Nnamdi Kanu removed from court during trial appearance. Source: Facebook.
Judge Removes Nnamdi Kanu From Court as Chaos Erupts During Terrorism Trial — Senior Lawyers Back Justice Omotosho
The terrorism trial took a dramatic turn on Thursday as Nnamdi Kanu was removed from court following a tense confrontation with Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja. The sudden removal triggered nationwide debate, with several senior lawyers later supporting the judge’s decision.
Tension Builds After Fresh Applications Are Rejected
Before the confrontation began, Justice Omotosho dismissed several new motions filed by Kanu’s legal team, including:
A fresh jurisdiction challenge
A request to stay proceedings
A referral application to the Court of Appeal
A renewed bail request
The judge ruled that these motions had already been addressed in previous judgments and lacked merit.
“My Lord, You Are Biased!” — Kanu’s Outburst Halts Session
The courtroom erupted when Kanu loudly accused the judge of bias, insisting the case had been invalidated by a Supreme Court comment on Count 7.
Despite being reminded that he failed to file his final written address, Kanu repeatedly interrupted the court. His escalating outburst led Justice Omotosho to order DSS operatives to remove him from the courtroom.
As he was escorted out, witnesses said Kanu shouted:
“God will punish you!”
The judge ruled that the proceedings and judgment would continue in his absence.
Prosecution Pushes for Maximum Sentence
Lead prosecutor Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) urged the court to impose the highest penalty allowed by law, citing:
75 security personnel killed
Multiple civilians affected
Public property destroyed
He argued that Kanu showed “no remorse” and had repeatedly disrespected the court.
Supporter Pleads for Mercy
Rep. Obi Aguocha appealed to the court to show compassion, highlighting Kanu’s years of separation from his family.
However, Justice Omotosho responded that Kanu had displayed contempt and remained unapologetic.
Senior Lawyers Defend the Judge
After the session, prominent lawyers publicly supported the judge:
Adedayo Adedeji (SAN): Called Kanu’s behaviour contemptuous
Kunle Adegoke (SAN): Said the conduct only weakened his case
Simon Lough (SAN): Attributed outburst to frustration
Lekan Ojo (SAN): Confirmed trial in absentia is legal
A Defining Moment in a Heated Trial
Legal analysts believe this incident reflects rising political tension around the case. For Justice Omotosho, the decision reinforced courtroom order. For Kanu, it became another major turning point in his long legal battle with the Nigerian state.
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FAQ Section
Q1: Why was Nnamdi Kanu removed from the courtroom?
Nnamdi Kanu was removed after repeatedly interrupting the judge and accusing the court of bias, causing disruption during proceedings.
Q2: Is the judge allowed to continue the trial without Kanu?
Yes. Under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), a judge may proceed when a defendant disrupts court order.
Q3: What did senior lawyers say about the judge’s action?
Several SANs backed Justice Omotosho, describing his decision as lawful and necessary for maintaining decorum.
Q4: What happens next in the trial?
Proceedings will continue, including sentencing, regardless of Kanu’s absence.
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