Nnamdi Kanu Rejects FG’s Request to Resume Trial, Demands Judge’s Recusal

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has firmly rejected the Federal Government’s request to resume his trial. 

Kanu, through his lead counsel Aloy Ejimakor, reiterated his demand for the recusal of Justice Binta Nyako, the trial judge, and insisted that her decision to step down remains valid.

In a statement on X, Ejimakor pointed out that Justice Nyako had previously entered an order to recuse herself on September 24, 2024, and that this order still stands.

 “The order remains in force and has not been set aside by any competent court,” Ejimakor said, accusing the prosecution of attempting to mislead the court regarding the case’s status.he stated 

Kanu, who faces seven counts of treasonable felony and terrorism, has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His legal team maintains that there is no ongoing case before Justice Nyako, given the judge’s recusal. Kanu has consistently voiced his lack of confidence in the impartiality of the trial, particularly after multiple applications for bail were rejected by Justice Nyako.

The controversy surrounding the trial began when Kanu, during a court session on September 24, 2024, requested that Justice Nyako step down. He cited a loss of confidence in her handling of the case. In response, Justice Nyako agreed to recuse herself and sent the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment. However, the Chief Judge returned the case to Justice Nyako, arguing that no other judge had been able to take over the matter.

Despite the Chief Judge’s directive, the Federal Government’s counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, filed a request for a new trial date, asserting that Justice Nyako’s reinstatement was valid.

At the last session, Kanu, who had previously protested Justice Nyako’s handling of his case, reiterated his demand for her recusal, citing a perceived failure to follow Supreme Court rulings. In a tense moment, Kanu presented a copy of a Supreme Court judgment to the court, claiming it showed the judge’s actions had compromised her impartiality.

Justice Nyako, after hearing Kanu’s objections, declared

“I hereby recuse myself and remit the case file back to the Chief Judge.” This marks the latest development in a long-standing and highly contentious legal battle, with Kanu’s defense team continuing to push for a change of venue and judicial personnel.