In a dramatic turn of events, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has stepped down from the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), citing a lack of confidence in the court.
The decision came after Kanu’s outburst in court, where he demanded that Justice Nyako recuse herself due to her alleged refusal to obey the orders of the Supreme Court.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Kanu suddenly jumped up from the dock and ordered his lawyer, Aloy Ejimako, to sit down. He then addressed the court, stating, “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.” Kanu further emphasized, “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.”
Despite objections from the federal government’s lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), Justice Nyako insisted on recusing herself. She stated that she would prefer another judge to handle the trial and ordered the case file to be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, for reassignment.
Kanu is facing a seven-count charge of terrorism and related offenses brought by the federal government. The trial has been ongoing for several months, with both parties presenting their cases and witnesses. This development is likely to cause a delay in the trial as a new judge will have to be assigned to preside over the case.
Nnamdi Kanu has been returned to the Department of State Services (DSS) custody pending the reassignment of his case to another judge. The IPOB leader’s trial has been a subject of controversy, with many questioning the fairness of the judicial process.
