Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has rejected the Federal Government’s request to resume his trial, insisting that Justice Binta Nyako must recuse herself from the case. This was disclosed by his lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, who stated that the trial judge’s decision to step aside on September 24, 2024, remains valid and binding.
Ejimakor accused the prosecution of attempting to mislead the court, asserting that Kanu no longer has a case before Justice Nyako. He maintained that the judge’s order to recuse herself has not been overturned by any competent court.
Kanu, facing charges of treasonable felony and terrorism, pleaded not guilty to all allegations. He was initially arrested in 2015, detained in the Kuje Correctional Facility, and granted bail in 2017 on health grounds. After fleeing the country following a military raid on his residence, Kanu relocated to the United Kingdom. He was re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 and extradited to Nigeria, where he remains in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
During a court session on September 24, 2024, Kanu requested that Justice Nyako step aside, citing a lack of confidence in her handling of the case. Justice Nyako agreed and forwarded the case to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment. However, the Chief Judge returned the case to her, stating she was best positioned to conclude it, given her longstanding familiarity with the matter.
Despite the Chief Judge’s directive, the Federal Government’s counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), sought a new trial date, arguing that Justice Nyako’s role as presiding judge had been reinstated.
Kanu, speaking on his own behalf during the proceedings, expressed distrust in the judge’s impartiality and reiterated his request for her withdrawal. He accused the court of failing to uphold the Supreme Court’s decision and demanded a new judge to ensure a fair trial.
Justice Nyako, after considering the arguments, stood by her earlier decision to recuse herself, returning the case file to the Chief Judge for further action.
The prosecution maintained that Kanu’s objections were baseless and urged the court to proceed with the hearing. The matter remains unresolved as both parties await further directives, while Kanu remains in DSS custody, with repeated bail applications denied.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between Kanu, his supporters, and the Nigerian government, with allegations of constitutional breaches and questions of judicial impartiality continuing to dominate the proceedings.
