Headlinenews.news, FCT, Abuja.
The Federal High Court in Abuja witnessed a dramatic and tense session today as detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, openly confronted the authority of the Court and was ultimately ordered out of the courtroom by Hon. Justice Binta Omotosho. Headlinenews.news was present throughout the proceedings and obtained exclusive video footage of the incident.
The friction began when Justice Omotosho indicated she was ready to deliver her ruling on the application before the Court. Kanu abruptly insisted that he must be allowed to personally read his Final Address, a request that the Court had previously considered and declined. The Judge reminded him that the law does not compel the Court to adopt a litigant’s preferred procedure, especially when representation is already on record, and that rulings are determined by the Court—not by the demand of any party.
Kanu refused to accept this. He raised his voice repeatedly, insisting that the Court must “hear him directly” and allow him read his written address, even after the Judge restated that he was free to appeal her ruling if dissatisfied. Justice Omotosho emphasized that she had prepared her ruling in accordance with due process and would proceed as scheduled.
The confrontation escalated when the Judge instructed that the microphone be taken from Kanu, as he continued interrupting proceedings. Court officials approached him, but he refused to surrender the microphone or allow security personnel to take it. His tone, demeanour and refusal to yield were viewed as clear acts of contempt and a disruption of the administration of justice.
Observing that the situation had degenerated and the IPOB leader was no longer willing to obey the authority of the Court, Justice Omotosho directed security officers to remove Kanu from the courtroom. When he continued resisting, the Judge rose abruptly and proceeded to her Chambers, effectively ending the session.
The episode shocked many observers in the courtroom. What was expected to be a procedural sitting instead turned into a rare display of direct defiance against a sitting Judge. Lawyers present described Kanu’s conduct as “unprecedented” and “a serious affront to the dignity of the Court.”
The National Patriots was also present in Court to observe the proceedings as many believed the matter will have a proper direction after today’s hearing.
Legal analysts who spoke to Headlinenews.news noted that while defendants have the right to fair hearing, they do not have the right to dictate court procedure or to disrupt the judicial process. A litigant—particularly one in custody—cannot unilaterally impose how a Court must hear or adopt submissions. They pointed out that Kanu’s behaviour today may further complicate his legal challenges and undermine sympathy for his cause.
According to one senior lawyer at the court:
“You cannot claim to be fighting for justice while openly disobeying the very institution empowered to deliver justice. His conduct today will not help his case.”
Members of the public who witnessed the confrontation expressed mixed reactions, but many conceded that no court anywhere permits such open insubordination. The Judge’s decision to have him removed was, in their view, “inevitable and necessary” to restore decorum and preserve the sanctity of the courtroom.
The Federal High Court in Abuja witnessed a tense session as detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu confronted the authority of the Court and was ordered out of the courtroom by Hon. Justice Binta Omotosho.
Trouble started when Justice Omotosho moved to deliver her ruling. Kanu insisted he must read his Final Address. The Judge refused, noting that procedure is set by the Court and that he remains free to appeal any ruling.
Kanu repeatedly interrupted, holding on to the courtroom microphone despite instructions to stop. When officials tried to retrieve it, he refused to cooperate. Seeing that he would not obey, Justice Omotosho directed that he be removed and retired to her Chambers.
Observers said the outburst portrayed Kanu as contemptuous of the Court and unlikely to help his case.
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For years, Kanu has portrayed himself as a victim of state persecution, but today’s behaviour gives Nigerians a rare, unfiltered view of his courtroom character. His refusal to obey instructions, his combative tone, and his insistence that proceedings follow his rules rather than the Court’s, raised serious questions about his approach to lawful processes.
As the matter continues, today’s episode may mark a turning point. The judiciary expects compliance, not confrontation. Whether Kanu’s legal team can repair the damage caused by this outburst remains to be seen.
Headlinenews.news will continue to follow this developing story and has attached the video with this post.
