The Federal High Court in Abuja witnessed a heated exchange on Friday when Nnamdi Kanu, the self‑appointed head of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), launched a verbal tirade at the presiding judge.
In a video that quickly circulated on social media, Kanu accused the judge of ignorance of Nigerian law, demanded respect for the constitution and a prior Supreme Court ruling, and repeatedly shouted, “You have no idea what justice means.” He also called the court a “shrine to injustice,” insisted the case be moved to a venue in the South‑East, and attempted to dismiss his legal counsel, saying he wanted to “take over” his own defence.
APC stalwart Joe Igbokwe responded on Facebook, describing Kanu’s behaviour as proof that the IPOB leader “is no longer sounding like a normal person.” Igbokwe added that everything about Kanu is “overrated” and that “the blood of thousands of people he killed are speaking,” warning that the situation had become untenable and that “the centre can no longer hold.”
His comments have sparked widespread commentary, with observers noting that the outburst highlights the deepening polarization surrounding Kanu’s trial and suggests that his conduct has crossed from political protest into personal vilification.The episode underscores the challenges facing Nigeria’s judiciary in handling high‑profile separatist cases.
Kanu’s disruptive courtroom tactics, coupled with the strong reactions from political figures, illustrate how the legal battle has become a flashpoint for broader national tensions. As the case remains adjourned indefinitely, it is likely to continue shaping public discourse on issues of justice, regional representation, and the limits of political expression in Nigeria.
