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The presiding judge in the terrorism trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, Justice James Omotosho, has stated that a judgment can be rendered in the absence of a defendant in cases of disruptive behavior.
This declaration was made after Nnamdi Kanu was removed from the courtroom on Thursday for contesting one of the rulings.
Kanu had, among other requests, asked the court to grant him bail and to allow him additional time to submit his final written address.
This came after counter-motions were filed by the prosecution counsel, Awomolo, SAN, in response to Kanu’s initial motions, asserting that Kanu’s bail request was an abuse of court procedure.
Awomolo also urged the court to reject the three motions submitted by Nnamdi Kanu.
Justice Omotosho subsequently denied Kanu’s request for a stay of proceedings and declined to grant him bail.
The court also rejected Kanu’s plea for more time to file his final written address.
Justice Omotosho expressed disapproval of Kanu’s disruptive behavior, emphasizing that the court, as an institution, deserves respect.
“The sanctity of the temple of justice must be upheld,” he remarked.
“According to judicial precedence, if a defendant behaves disruptively, a verdict may be delivered in their absence.”
Can a judgment be delivered without the defendant present? Yes, a judgment can be delivered in the absence of a defendant if they exhibit unruly behavior, as stated by Justice James Omotosho.
Yes, a judgment can be delivered in the absence of a defendant if they exhibit unruly behavior, as stated by Justice James Omotosho.
What were Nnamdi Kanu's requests during the trial? Nnamdi Kanu requested bail and additional time to file his final written address.
Nnamdi Kanu requested bail and additional time to file his final written address.
What did the prosecution argue regarding Kanu's motions? The prosecution argued that Kanu's bail request was an abuse of court process and urged the court to dismiss all his motions.
The prosecution argued that Kanu's bail request was an abuse of court process and urged the court to dismiss all his motions.
