In a dramatic development at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice Binta Nyako announced her decision to step down from the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). This announcement came after Kanu openly requested the judge’s recusal, citing the court’s failure to adhere to a Supreme Court order.
During the resumed hearing on September 24, Kanu expressed his dissatisfaction with the court, declaring, “My lord, I have no confidence in this court anymore.” He accused Justice Nyako of not following the Supreme Court’s directives and insisted that she withdraw from his trial. Justice Nyako agreed to Kanu’s request, stating, “I would be happy to do just that,” confirming her intention to send the case back to the Chief Judge for reassignment.
This decision effectively halts the ongoing trial, where Kanu faces terrorism-related charges brought by the Federal Government. Tensions escalated during the proceedings as Kanu demanded control of the courtroom, ordering his lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor, to sit down while he made his case.
Despite attempts from the prosecution, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Adegboyega Awomolo, to persuade Justice Nyako to continue the trial, she remained firm in her decision. “I hereby recuse myself and remit the case file back to the Chief Judge,” she concluded.
The trial’s future is now uncertain as the case awaits reassignment to a new judge, leaving Kanu’s legal situation in a state of limbo.