Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered that the trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, proceed in his absence.

The decision followed submissions by the prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, who described Kanu’s conduct in court earlier in the day as unruly and obstructive.

At the resumed sitting on Thursday morning, Kanu repeatedly interrupted proceedings while raising objections to the judgment scheduled to be delivered by Justice Omotosho. His disruptions prompted the judge to stand down the matter and direct that he be excused from the courtroom.

Upon resumption, Awomolo urged the court to continue the trial without the defendant, citing what he termed Kanu’s unbecoming behavior.

In a brief ruling, Justice Omotosho held that the defendant had abused the privilege granted to him by the court and subsequently ordered that the trial continue in his absence.

As of the time of filing this report, judgment on the terrorism charges against Nnamdi Kanu is ongoing, while the defendant has been escorted out of the courtroom.