DRAMA; Chaos in Court as Nnamdi Kanu calls Fed Govt’s Lawyer Terrorist’
Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), sparked chaos at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday by refusing to participate in his trial for terrorism charges.
This led Justice Binta Fatimat Nyako to adjourn the trial to June 19 to restore order. Kanu vehemently declared his refusal to undergo trial, asserting that the Nigerian government lacked the authority, both constitutionally and internationally, to charge him with criminal offenses.
Following the judge’s denial of his bail restoration and release from Department of State Services (DSS) custody, Kanu challenged the Federal Government’s lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo, when he attempted to commence the trial.
Upon Awomolo’s announcement that his witnesses were present and ready to proceed, Kanu intervened, asserting that he would not entertain any trial, asserting his refusal to be unjustly and unlawfully prosecuted.
Citing legal authorities from a document in his possession, Kanu defended his objections to the trial. When the government lawyer intervened, Kanu grew angrier and accused him of being a terrorist in open court.
Efforts by Justice Nyako to pacify Kanu were unsuccessful as he continued to berate the government lawyer, labeling him “a terrorist and a dishonest man.”
Kanu then referred to Awomolo, the current Chairman of the Body of Benchers, stating, “You are supposed to know the Constitution and uphold it.” Unhappy with Kanu’s outburst, Awomolo informed Justice Nyako that such behavior was anticipated, expressing that he was not offended or provoked.
In an attempt to rectify the situation, the court granted Kanu’s lawyer’s request for an adjournment to consult with him privately in a secure room.
Justice Nyako subsequently scheduled June 19 and 21 for the trial to commence.
