Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), caused a commotion at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday when he refused to submit himself for trial on terrorism charges. The disruption led Justice Binta Fatimat Nyako to adjourn the trial to June 19 to restore order.

During the hearing, Kanu loudly declared that he would not participate in the trial, arguing that the Nigerian government lacked the constitutional and international legal authority to prosecute him. This outburst followed the judge’s refusal to restore his revoked bail and remove him from the Department of State Services (DSS) custody.

Kanu contested the trial proceedings when Federal Government lawyer Adegboyega Awomolo announced his readiness to present witnesses. Kanu, taking over from his legal team led by Aloy Ejiamakor, asserted that he would not accept an unjust and illegal prosecution, citing various legal authorities to support his stance.

The situation escalated when Kanu interrupted Awomolo, labelling him a terrorist and accusing him of dishonesty in open court. Despite Justice Nyako’s attempts to calm Kanu, he continued to shout, accusing Awomolo of failing to uphold the Constitution as the current Chairman of the Body of Benchers.

Awomolo, unfazed by the outburst, suggested that emotions drove Kanu’s behaviour. To resolve the situation, the court granted a request from Kanu’s lawyer for an adjournment, allowing the legal team to consult with him in a secure environment free from eavesdropping.

Justice Nyako rescheduled the trial for June 19 and 21.