Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), publicly challenged the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, claiming that his trial could not go forward since he had not submitted his final written address.
Kanu is heard yelling at Justice James Omotosho, the presiding judge, in a widely shared video from the day’s proceedings, contesting the validity of the accusations and the court’s decision to proceed with the verdict.
Kanu maintained that no court had the right to proceed with proceedings based on such an allegation and contended that the prosecution relied on what he described as a repealed legislation.
He asked the court to pinpoint the legal clause that permits a decision to be made without the defense’s last statement.
“Which law says you can charge me on a repealed law?” he asked. Let me see. Where’s the law, Omotosho? Any ruling made by this court is total garbage.
You are ignorant of the law. I want to see where the right to a final address can be waived. “Show me the law, Omotosho.”
Tension in the courtroom increased as a result of the dramatic exchange, and the judge insisted on decorum despite Kanu’s persistent disruptions.
The proceedings on Thursday were a part of the last phases of Kanu’s protracted terrorism trial, which has lasted almost ten years and continues to be one of Nigeria’s most politically delicate court cases.
Kanu had already filed many applications to halt judgment and contest the court’s jurisdiction, but Justice Omotosho had rejected them all.
Watch the following video:
