The legal team representing Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has rejected a request by the Nigerian government to continue his trial under Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The government’s legal team, led by Asiwaju Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), had written to the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court on December 5, 2024, requesting a date for the resumption of Kanu’s criminal trial before Justice Nyako.
Chief Judge Declines Justice Nyako’s Recusal In Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial
This followed the Chief Judge’s purported return of the case file to Justice Nyako after her recusal.
However, Kanu’s Special Counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, in a letter dated December 9, 2024, strongly objected to the request, citing Justice Nyako’s formal recusal on September 24, 2024. Ejimakor emphasized that the recusal order remains valid and has not been overturned by any competent court.
Ejimakor’s letter stated:
“The Defendant takes serious exception to the said Letter and hereby vigorously objects to the request… His Lordship (Hon. Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako) had entered and enrolled an Order recusing His Lordship from handling the case… The said Order has not been set aside by a subsequent Order.”
IPOB Accuses Nigerian Army of Intimidation and Spreading Misinformation in Kanu Case
Kanu’s legal team argued that the government’s request was “fatally misconceived” and risks steering the court toward “infamy and unconstitutionality.”
Justice Nyako had previously recused herself after Kanu accused her of failing to uphold Supreme Court directives, citing bias in the handling of his case.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions in Kanu’s legal battle as his team challenges what they describe as procedural irregularities and seeks accountability in the trial process.
Bianca Ojukwu Calls for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release
