Drama as court dismisses Nnamdi Kanu’s fresh bail application

Tension flared in court on Thursday after Justice Omotosho dismissed a fresh bail application filed by IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, prompting an angry outburst from the defendant who raised his voice repeatedly during proceedings.

Before the ruling, Kanu urged the court to grant him bail, insisting that he was entitled to freedom based on what he described as “concurrent judgments of superior courts.” Arguing his motion, he maintained that since the prosecution failed to file a counter-affidavit, the facts in his application should be deemed unchallenged. He further argued that a stay of execution could be applied where a court’s jurisdiction is in question.

Delivering the ruling on Kanu’s consolidated applications, Justice Omotosho noted that “most of the issues raised by Kanu today have been raised severally in this same court in previous applications.” The judge restated that the court was bound by its earlier decision to take all preliminary issues together at the point of final judgment.

On Kanu’s request for a stay of proceedings, the court held that such relief could not be granted, citing Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which expressly prohibits stay of proceedings in criminal trials. Addressing the fresh bail plea, Justice Omotosho explained that bail may be considered either pending trial or pending appeal, but found that Kanu’s application “does not fall under either category.”

The judge recalled the court’s earlier order of 27 October 2025, directing Kanu to enter his defence or file his final written address. He noted that Kanu had instead submitted a comprehensive address, rendering the application for bail “unmeritorious.” The court subsequently dismissed the motion and announced it would proceed to judgment.

Kanu, visibly angered by the decision, insisted he deserved bail based on appellate court pronouncements, but the court rejected the argument. He protested loudly, declaring that he must be allowed to file his final written address “as a matter of right” and repeatedly demanded recognition from the bench.

As the courtroom grew tense, Justice Omotosho ordered that Kanu be taken out to restore order. Kanu challenged the directive, telling the judge he “must listen” to him, prompting security officials to intervene as the situation escalated.