Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has appeared before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court for the resumed hearing of his case.
Kanu’s trial had been delayed after Justice Nyako stepped down from the case on September 24, 2024, following an oral request from the defendant, in which he expressed a lack of confidence in her handling of the trial.
However, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, reassigned the case to Justice Nyako, stating that Kanu’s request for recusal should be formally presented to the court through a motion on notice.
On December 5, 2024, the prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo, sent a letter requesting the court to set a date for the trial to begin.
In response, the defense, represented by Aloy Ejimakor, sent a letter on December 9, 2024, opposing the request.
Ejimakor argued that Justice Nyako’s recusal was valid and asked for the case to be transferred to a Federal High Court in the South-East if no judge in Abuja was willing to preside over it. However, this request was not granted.
At the resumed hearing on Monday, February 10, 2025, Justice Nyako clarified that the Chief Judge had not accepted the recusal and had referred the case back to her.
She instructed the defense team, led by Ejimakor, to submit a formal application if they still sought her recusal.
Prosecution counsel, led by Awomolo, confirmed they were ready to proceed with the trial, as their witnesses were prepared.
