Nnamdi Kanu opposes resumption of trial, demands judge’s recusal

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has rejected the Federal Government’s request to resume his trial, asserting that Justice Binta Nyako must recuse herself from the case.

Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, disclosed this development on Tuesday through a post on his official X account.

Ejimakor emphasized that Justice Nyako’s previous decision to withdraw from the case remains legally binding.

“Justice Nyako issued an order recusing herself on September 24, 2024, and that order has not been overturned by any competent court,” Ejimakor stated, accusing the prosecution of attempting to mislead the court.

The dispute stems from Kanu’s lack of confidence in Justice Nyako’s impartiality. During a previous court session, Kanu personally requested her recusal, citing noncompliance with a Supreme Court ruling and alleging bias.

Justice Nyako agreed to step aside and forwarded the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.

However, the Chief Judge reassigned the case back to her, citing her extensive experience with it since 2015.

Despite this, Kanu insists that Justice Nyako should not continue as the presiding judge.

Federal Government counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) argued that the Chief Judge’s decision reinstated Justice Nyako and requested a new trial date.

Kanu, who faces charges of treasonable felony and terrorism, has pleaded not guilty. First arrested in 2015, he was later granted bail in 2017 but fled the country after a military raid on his home.

He was re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 and has since been held in the custody of the Department of State Services.

Justice Nyako’s decisions to deny Kanu’s repeated bail applications and her reassignment to the case have heightened tensions.

In court, Kanu openly voiced his frustrations, asserting that the trial was unconstitutional and expressing distrust in Justice Nyako’s ability to deliver a fair judgment.

Justice Nyako has maintained her recusal and forwarded the case for reassignment. However, it remains uncertain how the trial will proceed amidst the continued standoff.