The presiding judge in the terrorism case involving the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, Justice James Omotosho, has stated that a verdict may be issued even when a defendant is absent if the absence results from disorderly conduct.

He made this remark after Nnamdi Kanu was led out of the courtroom on Thursday for objecting to one of the court’s decisions.

Kanu had requested, among other things, that the court grant him bail and give him additional time to submit his final written address.

This came in response to counter-applications filed by the prosecuting counsel, Awomolo, SAN, opposing Kanu’s first and second motions and arguing that his bail request amounted to an abuse of court procedure.

Awomolo also urged the court to reject all three motions presented by Nnamdi Kanu.

Justice Omotosho subsequently dismissed Kanu’s request for a stay of proceedings and refused him bail.

The court also dismissed Kanu’s motion for more time to file his final written address.

Justice Omotosho frowned at Kanu’s unruly behaviour, insisting that the court as an institution must be respected.

“The sanctity of the temple of justice must be respected,” he said.

“By judicial precedence, if a defendant becomes unruly, a verdict can be given in his absence.”