In a dramatic turn of events, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has recused herself from the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Her decision came during a heated court session where Kanu openly voiced his lack of confidence in the court, accusing it of failing to obey the Supreme Court's directives.
The trial, which had been highly anticipated, took a significant twist when Kanu, who is facing a seven-count terrorism charge filed by the Federal Government, stood up from the dock and demanded that his lawyer, Mr. Alloy Ejimakor, stop his argument for a trial suspension. Ejimakor was attempting to persuade the court to postpone the proceedings on the grounds that Kanu had been denied the opportunity to adequately prepare his defense. However, Kanu took matters into his own hands, ordering his lawyer to sit down.
Sit down! I say you should sit down! Kanu shouted from the dock, drawing the court's attention.
Addressing Justice Nyako directly, Kanu expressed his frustration and lack of confidence in the judicial process. My lord, I have no confidence in this court any more, and I ask you to recuse yourself because you did not abide by the decision of the Supreme Court,he declared.
Kanu went on to criticize the court for disregarding the orders of the Supreme Court, pointing out that while the Department of State Services (DSS) could be expected to disobey court orders, it was unacceptable for the judiciary to do the same. I can understand it if the DSS refuse to obey a court order, but for this court to refuse to obey an order of the Supreme Court is regrettable, he lamented.
Despite efforts from the prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, who urged the court to proceed with the trial, Justice Nyako opted to step down from the case. I hereby recuse myself and remit the case-file back to the Chief Judge, she ruled.
Justice Nyako’s recusal adds another layer of complexity to the legal battles surrounding Nnamdi Kanu. The case will now be re-assigned to another judge by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court. This decision delays further proceedings and opens new questions about how the case will progress moving forward.
Nnamdi Kanu's trial has been one of the most high-profile and politically sensitive cases in Nigeria, with his supporters, particularly in the Southeast, calling for his release. The recusal of the judge may reignite public discourse on the fairness and handling of his trial by the Nigerian judiciary.
This latest development is yet another chapter in the long and complex legal struggle between the Nigerian government and Nnamdi Kanu. As the case is reassigned, it remains to be seen how the new judge will handle the trial and whether Kanu’s concerns about the judiciary’s independence will impact the course of justice in this high-stakes case.