Babatunji Wusu –
- Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB, expressed lack of confidence in Judge Binta Nyako, leading to an indefinite adjournment of his terrorism trial.
- Kanu has previously challenged Nyako’s handling of the case, questioning her impartiality.
- The prosecution objected to Kanu’s remarks, insisting on a formal objection, but the judge postponed the trial indefinitely after his continued insistence.
- Kanu is facing charges of terrorism and treasonable felony linked to his advocacy for Biafra’s secession.
On Monday, the Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned the terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), indefinitely. This decision followed Kanu’s protest about the impartiality of the trial judge, Binta Nyako. Kanu, who has previously voiced similar concerns, reiterated that he could not proceed with the trial while the case remained in her hands.
The IPOB leader, during the session, expressed dissatisfaction with the decision of the Chief Judge, John Tsoho, to return the case to Judge Nyako after she had previously recused herself. He stressed that his attendance was out of respect for the rule of law, but he insisted that the trial could not continue under Nyako’s presiding.
Prosecutor Adegboyega Awomolo, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), opposed Kanu’s remarks, arguing that the proper procedure for raising objections was through a formal application. Awomolo called for a definite trial date but was overruled when Kanu’s objection persisted. Nyako, unable to resolve the matter in court, announced an indefinite postponement of the trial.
Kanu, who has been in the custody of the State Security Service (SSS) since 2021, faces charges related to terrorism and treasonable felony due to his separatist activities. He has been advocating for the secession of Nigeria’s South-east region to form a sovereign Biafra nation.
Following the court session, Kanu criticized the prosecution and the court, claiming a lack of legal knowledge was harming Nigeria. He further lamented the prolonged nature of his trial, questioning why his case was handled differently, and urged the Nigerian government to adhere to its own laws. He also criticized the government for reclassifying the charges against him from treasonable felony to terrorism.
Kanu’s trial was previously stalled when Judge Nyako recused herself on September 24, 2024, following his request. However, the Chief Judge returned the case to Nyako, with the stipulation that Kanu should file a formal objection. Kanu’s defense lawyer, Ejimakor, has argued for the case to be moved to a court in the South-east region of Nigeria, where the trial could be handled by a judge willing to oversee it.
