Dramatic scenes unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, November 20, 2025, when trial justice James Omotosho ordered security operatives to remove Nnamdi Kanu from the courtroom following repeated disruptions during his terrorism trial proceedings.
Courtroom Confrontation Escalates
The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had insisted that judgment could not be delivered in the terrorism charge brought against him by the federal government. According to reports from Vanguard, the situation intensified when Kanu repeatedly challenged the trial judge to show him where Nigerian law prohibited him from filing a written address in his case.
Justice Omotosho temporarily halted court proceedings to allow security agents to physically remove the 58-year-old activist from the room. This dramatic intervention came after Kanu's persistent shouting made it impossible for the court to continue with its scheduled business.
Background of the Legal Battle
Nnamdi Kanu has been standing trial on terrorism allegations following his controversial re-arrest in Kenya in 2021 and subsequent extradition to Nigeria. Since his return to the country, Kanu has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja, with his case drawing significant national and international attention.
The latest courtroom incident occurred during what was supposed to be a judgment session in the long-running legal battle between the IPOB leader and the Nigerian government. Kanu's outburst reflected his ongoing protest against the legal procedures being followed in his case.
Immediate Aftermath and Public Reaction
Video footage of the dramatic courtroom removal quickly began trending on social media platforms, showing the moment security operatives escorted Kanu out of the courtroom. The incident has sparked renewed debate about the treatment of the separatist leader and the fairness of his trial process.
Legal observers note that this is not the first time Kanu's court appearances have been marked by controversy. His legal team has repeatedly raised concerns about the conditions of his detention and the conduct of his trial.
The federal government maintains that Kanu faces legitimate terrorism charges related to his activities as leader of IPOB, which has been designated as a terrorist organization by Nigerian authorities. However, his supporters argue that he is being persecuted for his political views and advocacy for Biafran independence.
As of Thursday morning, court officials had not indicated when proceedings would resume or how this latest incident might affect the timeline for delivering judgment in the case. The situation remains fluid with more developments expected throughout the day.
