Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday directed security operatives to remove detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu from the courtroom after he repeatedly interrupted proceedings and insisted that the court could not deliver judgment without accepting his written address.

Kanu, who continuously shouted that the judge must show him the legal basis for denying him the right to file a written address, caused the court to briefly suspend proceedings. Security personnel subsequently escorted him out on the orders of the trial judge.

Earlier, Justice Omotosho had dismissed a series of fresh motions filed by Kanu, noting that they raised issues already decided by the court. He also rejected the defence’s request to refer the matter to the Court of Appeal, citing Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which prohibits the suspension of criminal trials.

The court further turned down Kanu’s latest bail application, stating that certain concerns he raised would be addressed in the final judgment.

However, as the judge prepared to begin the judgment, Kanu defiantly insisted the court lacked jurisdiction without first admitting his written address—prompting the judge’s order for his removal.