The judge presiding over the terrorism trial of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, Justice James Omotosho, has stated that a verdict can be delivered even if a defendant is absent due to unruly behaviour.
Kanu was escorted out of the courtroom on Thursday after challenging one of the rulings. He had requested bail and additional time to file his final written address.
The prosecution, led by Awomolo, SAN, opposed the motions, describing Kanu’s bail request as an abuse of court process and urging the dismissal of all three motions he filed.
Justice Omotosho denied Kanu’s requests for bail and more time to submit his written address, emphasizing the need to respect the court. “The sanctity of the temple of justice must be respected,” he said. “By judicial precedence, if a defendant becomes unruly, a verdict can be given in his absence.”