BREAKING: Justice Binta Nyako withdraws from Nnamdi Kanu’s trial

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Tuesday, has handed off from presiding over the trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Justice Nyako’s withdrawal from the trial followed Nnamdi Kanu’s application in open court, requesting her to recuse herself from the trial due to her disobedience of orders of the Supreme Court.

At a resumed sitting, the IPOB leader had ordered his counsel, Mr. Alloy Ejimakor, to sit down while he made reference to the judgment of the Supreme Court where alleged bias against the judge was raised.

Kanu (middle) with his legal team, in court today

While Ejimakor was trying to persuade the court to suspend the trial due to the fact that Kanu was denied the opportunity to prepare his defence, the detained Kanu rose from his seat and ordered his lawyer to sit down.

“Sit down! I say you should sit down!” Kanu roared from the dock.

“My lord, I have no confidence in this court anymore and I ask you to recuse yourself because you did not abide by the decision of the Supreme Court.

“I can understand it if the DSS refuses to obey a court order, but for this court to refuse to obey an order of the Supreme Court is regrettable.

“I am asking you to recuse yourself from this case,” Kanu stated.

Though the prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, urged the court to proceed with the trial, Justice Binta Nyako recused herself from the case.

“I hereby recuse myself and remit the casefile back to the Chief Judge,” she held.

Background of the case:

Kanu has been embroiled in a prolonged legal battle with the Nigerian government since his arrest on October 14, 2015.

Initially arraigned before Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 23, 2015, Kanu faced charges including treasonable felony, managing and belonging to an unlawful society, and soliciting funds for terrorism.

After a brief release on bail in April 2017, Kanu was rearrested by the Nigerian Army in September 2017, sparking widespread controversy.

Kanu’s trial resumed before Justice Binta Nyako on March 28, 2018, with amended charges including treasonable felony, conspiracy, and belonging to an unlawful society.

Despite pleading not guilty, Kanu’s trial has been marred by multiple adjournments due to various reasons, including his absence due to health issues.

The Nigerian government has assured the court of Kanu’s safety and commitment to the trial, while IPOB claims Kanu is severely ill and unable to attend court. Justice Nyako has ruled that the trial will continue despite Kanu’s absence.

As the trial continues, concerns around Kanu’s health, human rights, and the rule of law remain pressing.

The international community, including Amnesty International and the United Nations, has called for Kanu’s release and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

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