Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), caused a commotion at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday by refusing to stand trial for terrorism charges. The uproar prompted Justice Binta Fatimat Nyako to adjourn the trial to June 19 to restore order.
Kanu, shouting loudly, insisted that the Nigerian government lacked the constitutional and international legal authority to prosecute him. His defiance followed the judge’s denial of his requests to reinstate his revoked bail and remove him from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). Kanu rose from the dock and challenged the Federal Government lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo, as he attempted to proceed with the trial.
When Awomolo announced that his witnesses were ready, Kanu interjected, taking over the arguments from his lawyers, led by Aloy Ejiamakor. Kanu asserted that he would not submit to what he considered an unjust and illegal prosecution, citing various authorities from a document he had in court.
As the government lawyer tried to intervene, Kanu’s anger escalated, and he accused Awomolo of being a terrorist in open court. Justice Nyako’s attempts to calm Kanu were unsuccessful as he continued to berate the government lawyer, calling him “a terrorist and a dishonest man,” and criticizing his understanding and upholding of the Constitution.
Despite the outburst, Awomolo remained composed, attributing Kanu’s behavior to emotional distress. To defuse the situation, the court granted a request from Kanu’s lawyer for an adjournment to allow for consultation in a secure room free from eavesdropping.
Justice Nyako then scheduled the trial to resume on June 19 and 21.
