Judgment Day for IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu

The Federal High Court in Abuja has mandated that the verdict in Nnamdi Kanu's terrorism trial be pronounced in his absence. The court cited the defendant’s disruptive and aggressive behavior as the reason for this decision. The presiding judge stated that this action was consistent with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

Additionally, the court rejected a motion from the defendant to halt proceedings. It was concluded that existing legal regulations prohibit the delay of criminal trials to avert unnecessary postponements during the appeal process. The judge pointed out that, although a defendant's presence is a constitutional right, it is not unconditional and may be waived if the individual exhibits disruptive conduct. The court referenced previous occurrences where the defendant confronted security personnel and interrupted legal counsel, asserting the need to uphold the integrity of the judicial system.

This ruling came after a request from the prosecution to permit the trial to proceed without the defendant present. In response, the defendant contended that the verdict should not be issued until he submitted a final written address. He claimed that a motion to stay the proceedings was pending before the Court of Appeal and argued that the charges levied against him were grounded on a law that has since been repealed, thus invalidating them.

The defendant accused the court of partiality and asserted that the denial of his request to submit a final address constituted a breach of his rights. Despite his protests and refusal to forgo his right to address the court, the judge ordered security personnel to escort him out of the courtroom. Once the defendant was removed, the court proceeded to issue the judgment.

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