By Onoja Baba, Nigeria
Tension flared at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, during the resumed trial of Nnamdi Kanu, as the judge, Justice James Omotosho, cracked down on perceived misconduct by both spectators and legal practitioners.
The courtroom session took a dramatic turn when the judge issued a stern warning over rising disorder, which he said was threatening the smooth progression of the trial.
He specifically warned against overcrowding by the defence team and disruptions from court observers.
Justice Omotosho decried the growing number of lawyers showing up for the defence, saying only 16 had been approved, but 29 appeared in court.
“I won’t take it. It is very important we move on without hitches,” he said, threatening to shift proceedings to virtual sessions if the situation persisted.
In another twist, the court suspended a relative of Kanu’s, Favour Kanu, from attending the next three sittings.
She had live-streamed the court session on Facebook, in defiance of courtroom protocol.
Favour, who is married to Prince Fineboy Kanu, Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother, was cautioned for violating previous warnings.
The judge described her behaviour as disrespectful to the court, even after a prior incident had led to her phone being confiscated.
Despite her apology and pleas from the defence, Justice Omotosho insisted on enforcing the suspension.
Beyond the courtroom tension, the trial proceeded with the federal government presenting its second witness.
The witness, code-named BBB, told the court that Kanu was the founder of the Eastern Security Network and the operator of Radio Biafra.
He claimed he was assigned by the Attorney General to investigate Kanu’s activities.
However, attempts by the prosecution to submit evidence supporting the claim ran into resistance.
Kanu’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, objected on the grounds that the materials had not been served in advance.
Justice Omotosho sided with the defence and directed that no document or video would be accepted unless previously disclosed.
Meanwhile, confusion broke out early in the session when a certain Charles Udeh submitted a protest letter claiming to be part of the defence team.
Both the defence lawyers and Kanu denied knowing him.
The judge used the opportunity to caution against further interference, impersonation, or crowding of legal representation.
categories
recent posts
SOUTH SUDAN: The European Union Reaffirms Support For Media In South Sudan
