By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday convicted the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on count one of the terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
The court held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, declaring that Kanu made a series of broadcasts aimed at inciting violence and killings in furtherance of his separatist campaign for Biafra.
Trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, said he was persuaded by what he described as “uncontroverted evidence” presented by the Federal Government to establish the offence.
The conviction came hours after a dramatic scene in court in which Justice Omotosho ordered Kanu’s removal from the courtroom for what he termed “unruly behaviour”.
The development followed the dismissal of three fresh motions the IPOB leader had filed, which the court ruled were without merit.
Kanu had repeatedly interrupted proceedings, insisting that the court could not deliver judgment because he had not filed his final written address.
Raising his voice, he demanded: “Which law states that you can charge me on an unwritten law? Show me. Omotosho, where is the law? Any judgment declared in this court is complete rubbish.”
He also accused the judge of bias and lacking understanding of the law.
After a brief recess, lead prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, urged the judge to proceed with the case in Kanu’s absence, arguing that his disruptive conduct had made it impossible to continue normally.
Justice Omotosho agreed, stating that although a defendant has a constitutional right to be present during trial, persistent misconduct could justify exclusion.
“If a defendant misconducts himself or acts in an unruly manner during the course of his trial, his trial can be conducted in his absence,” he ruled, adding that the court “is a temple of justice and a temple of God”.
The judge noted that Kanu’s behaviour was not new, pointing out that he had exhibited similar conduct on several occasions in the past.
He further stated that Kanu had previously indicated that he would not be presenting a defence, and that Thursday’s proceedings were strictly for judgment and possible sentencing.
Following the order, security operatives escorted Kanu out of the courtroom, after which Justice Omotosho delivered the ruling that found him guilty on the lead count of the terrorism charge.
The court is expected to schedule sentencing after addressing the remaining counts on the charge sheet.
