“Show Me the Law”: Nnamdi Kanu Challenges Judge Over Waiver of Final Address

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Wednesday engaged in a heated exchange with Justice Mobolaji Omotosho during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, questioning the legal basis for waiving his right to a final address.

The courtroom moment unfolded as the judge attempted to proceed without allowing Kanu’s legal team to present a final written address a standard component of criminal trials.

Kanu immediately objected, insisting that the court must adhere strictly to due process.

“You don’t know the law. Show me where it says you can waive the right to a final address, Omotosho show me the law,” Kanu retorted, drawing attention across the packed courtroom.

Kanu, who has been in detention since his re-arrest in 2021, maintained that denying him the opportunity for a final address amounted to a violation of his constitutional rights, emphasizing that the rule of law must be upheld regardless of the circumstances.

His legal team echoed the objection, arguing that the right to a final address is fundamental and cannot be dispensed with at the court’s discretion.

Justice Omotosho subsequently paused proceedings to review the objection, noting that the court would rule on the matter before moving forward.

The development marks yet another tense moment in Kanu’s long-running trial, which continues to draw national and international attention.