Judge Adjourns Trial As Nnamdi Kanu Goes Wild In Court

The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, caused an uproar at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday when he refused to submit himself for trial on terrorism charges.

This development eventually forced Justice Binta Fatimat Nyako to adjourn the trial to June 19 to calm the situation.

Kanu, shouting at the top of his voice, vowed not to submit himself to trial. He claimed that the Nigerian government lacked the constitutional and international legal authority to file criminal charges against him.

Shortly after the judge declined his request for the restoration of his revoked bail and removal from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), Kanu rose from the dock and challenged the Federal Government lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo, who was ready to begin the trial.

When Awomolo announced that his witnesses were present and prepared to proceed, Kanu interrupted, taking over arguments from his lawyers, led by Aloy Ejiamakor. He told the court to forget about any trial, asserting that he would not allow himself to be prosecuted unjustly and illegally. He cited several authorities from a document in his possession to support his objections to the trial.

When the government lawyer interjected that a defendant was not permitted to talk the way Kanu was doing, Kanu became even angrier. He descended heavily on the senior lawyer, calling him a terrorist in open court.

Attempts by Justice Nyako to calm him down were rebuffed as he repeatedly shouted on the government lawyer, calling him “a terrorist and a dishonest man”.

“As current Chairman of Body of Benchers, you are supposed to know the Constitution and uphold it,” Kanu said, referring to Awomolo.

Apparently unhappy with Kanu’s outburst, Awomolo told Justice Nyako that the conduct of Kanu was unexpected.

“He is only acting on emotions. I am not offended, I am not provoked,” the senior lawyer submitted.

In a bid to save the situation, the court agreed to a request by Kanu’s lawyer for an adjournment to enable the legal team consult with him in a clean room where there should be no eavesdropping.

Justice Nyako subsequently fixed June 19 and 21 for commencement of trial.

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