Detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu created a dramatic scene at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, November 20, 2025, during his ongoing terrorism trial proceedings.
Courtroom Confrontation Over Legal Procedures
The separatist leader openly challenged Justice James Omotosho, accusing the presiding judge of being ignorant of the law. Kanu insisted that his trial could not proceed because he had not filed his final written address, a crucial legal document in such proceedings.
In a now-viral video capturing the intense moment, Kanu could be heard shouting at the judge and security personnel. He vehemently argued that the court had no legal basis to continue with the proceedings without considering his final address.
Kanu's Legal Challenges and Accusations
The IPOB leader specifically questioned the prosecution's reliance on what he described as a repealed law. "Which law states that you can charge me on a repealed law? Show me. Omotosho, where is the law? Any judgment declared in this Court is complete rubbish," Kanu declared during the heated exchange.
He further challenged the judge's authority to waive his right to a final address, demanding: "You don't know the law, show me where it says you can waive the right to a final address, Omotosho, show me the law."
Court Response and Security Intervention
Following Kanu's repeated outbursts and refusal to maintain courtroom decorum, Justice Omotosho ordered security agents to remove the IPOB leader from the courtroom. The proceedings were temporarily halted to facilitate this action.
Kanu had insisted that judgment could not be delivered in the terrorism case brought against him by the federal government under these circumstances. This incident marks another chapter in the long-running legal battle that has seen multiple dramatic courtroom moments.
Nigerians React to Courtroom Drama
The trending video sparked immediate reactions from Nigerians across social media platforms. User @AkemEliom21913 commented: "This is not needed in court. There are better ways to handle this. Counsels should guide him, pls."
Another user, @Mrombudsmann_, offered critical analysis: "He sacked the legal experts handling his case, so he would have freedom to act out his drama in court. But the court doesn't care about emotions. The judge has been reading all the exhibits against him. Nnamdi Kanu wants to be a Judge in his own case."
Meanwhile, supporter @Ifeanyi379466 stated: "Nigeria, obey your own court order and free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu." The diverse reactions highlight the polarized public opinion surrounding Kanu's trial.
Background and Previous Court Warnings
This incident follows Justice Omotosho's previous warning to Kanu on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, when the court granted what it described as a "last opportunity" for the IPOB leader to regularize his legal position.
The Federal Government has charged Kanu with multiple counts of terrorism-related offenses. The case has been characterized by numerous legal twists and dramatic courtroom exchanges since its inception.
Legal observers note that Kanu's decision to represent himself after dismissing his legal team has contributed to the increasingly confrontational nature of recent proceedings. The case continues to draw significant public attention both within Nigeria and internationally.
