Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, has submitted a petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC), accusing Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, of judicial misconduct in handling his trial. The petition, dated January 13, 2024, was addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who also serves as the NJC Chairman.
Kanu claims that Justice Nyako’s actions during his trial have caused him “incalculable and continuing damage,” including the unlawful deprivation of his liberty. The judge is overseeing the seven terrorism charges filed against Kanu by the Federal Government.
In the petition, supported by an affidavit from Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, the detainee alleges several instances of judicial misconduct. Among the accusations is Nyako’s refusal to reinstate Kanu’s bail, which Kanu argues violates the Constitution.
Kanu stated, “Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako currently presides over Court 2 of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division. Her conduct amounts to judicial fraud and non-adherence to the Constitution and established rules of law.”
He further claimed that Nyako’s refusal to reinstate his bail, despite a Supreme Court ruling, violates Section 287(1) of the Constitution, which mandates that all authorities and courts enforce Supreme Court decisions.
Kanu also criticized the judge for ignoring constitutional provisions and the rule of law, asserting that her actions violated his fundamental rights. The petition concludes with a request for the NJC to take disciplinary action against Justice Nyako for her alleged misconduct.
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