Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has strongly opposed the federal government’s push to restart his trial, maintaining that the judge handling the case remains recused.
On September 24, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court recused herself from Kanu’s trial after the defendant expressed no confidence in her.
In her ruling, she stated, “I hereby recuse myself and remit the case file back to the chief judge.” Despite this, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, later reassigned the case to Nyako, instructing that Kanu’s objections should be filed formally through a motion on notice.
The federal government, in a letter dated December 5 and addressed to the Deputy Chief Registrar, requested a date for the trial to resume.
Kanu’s legal team, led by Aloy Ejimakor, responded on December 9, insisting that Justice Nyako’s decision to step aside still stands.
“Our position is that Justice Nyako entered and enrolled an order recusing herself from this case. That order, made on September 24, 2024, remains extant and has not been overturned by a competent court,” Ejimakor stated.
He further warned, “The complainant’s request for a trial date is misguided and, if unchecked, could lead the court into unconstitutional actions.”
Ejimakor emphasized the importance of respecting the judicial process, urging the court not to entertain the federal government’s request.
The case continues to highlight the tension between Kanu and the federal government, with his legal team resolutely defending what they consider procedural integrity in the handling of the trial.
