In a dramatic twist on Monday, Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), raised a bold challenge to the jurisdiction of Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, questioning her authority to preside over his terrorism trial.
The IPOB leader, who has been held in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, publicly expressed his loss of confidence in Justice Nyako’s ability to fairly handle his case, calling for her recusal.
The request was granted by the judge, who promptly referred the matter to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, for reassignment.
However, despite Kanu’s firm stance, the case remains in a state of limbo as Justice Nyako adjourned the hearing indefinitely.
The saga of delays in Kanu’s trial began after he filed a request for Nyako to step down in September 2024, alleging that she no longer commanded his trust.
In response, Justice Nyako initially recused herself from the case, halting proceedings. Yet, the Chief Judge, Justice Tsoho, reversed this decision, insisting that Kanu’s recusal request be formalized through a motion. This legal back-and-forth set the stage for a fresh round of confrontations in court.
On December 5, 2024, the prosecution, led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, urged the court to schedule a trial date, signaling their readiness to proceed with the case.
Read Also: Igbo ministers accuse South East Govs of ignoring calls for Nnamdi Kanu’s release
Kanu’s defense, however, remained resolute in their opposition, with his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, arguing that Nyako’s earlier recusal still stood and requesting that the case be transferred to a Federal High Court in the South-East if no judge in Abuja was willing to preside. This request was denied.
As the trial resumed, Kanu’s defiance was evident. He vehemently rejected Justice Nyako’s authority, dismissing her court as invalid and saying he would only participate out of respect for the rule of law. Kanu also expressed frustration over the decision by the Chief Judge to return the case to Nyako, accusing the prosecution of trying to unfairly force him to face charges under questionable conditions.
The prosecution, meanwhile, remained firm, with Chief Awomolo objecting to Kanu’s remarks and pushing for a fixed date for the trial to proceed.
However, despite tensions, Justice Nyako adjourned the hearing without setting a date for the next session, leaving the legal fate of Nnamdi Kanu hanging in the balance.
, raised a bold challenge to the jurisdiction of Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, questioning her authority to preside over his terrorism trial.){kind=link}