A dramatic scene unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday as detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu openly challenged the presiding judge during proceedings, insisting that his trial could not continue without his final written address.
A video shared online shows Kanu standing before Justice Omotosho, arguing vehemently that the court was attempting to proceed on the basis of what he described as a “repealed law.” He maintained that the prosecution had no legal foundation for continuing the case in its current form.
Kanu repeatedly asked the judge to cite the law permitting his trial under the circumstances, insisting that any judgment issued without his final address would be invalid. “Which law states that you can charge me on a repealed law? Show me,” he said, raising his voice as courtroom officials attempted to restore order.
The IPOB leader also accused the court of attempting to waive his right to file a final written address — a step he said was fundamental to his defence. “You don’t know the law. Show me where it says you can waive the right to a final address,” he told Justice Omotosho in the footage.
Thursday’s confrontation marks one of Kanu’s most forceful public rejections of the legal process since his re-arrest and detention. His supporters have long argued that he has been denied a fair hearing, while the government maintains that he must face trial for serious offences.
The court session was briefly disrupted as lawyers and court staff attempted to calm tensions. Officials have not yet clarified how Kanu’s objections will affect the next stage of the proceedings or whether the judge will issue any directives concerning the final address dispute.
The video, which has widely circulated across social media platforms, has reignited debates about the fairness of Kanu’s trial and the broader legal and political implications of the case. Channels Television published the footage via its X account.
Watch the video here:
