Kehinde Fajobi
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on Monday, challenged the jurisdiction of Justice Binta Nyako over his alleged terrorism trial, questioning why he was brought before her despite her previous recusal.
A visibly angry Kanu told the court, “All that the judge said is meaningless to me. I do not recognise the authority of this court presided by Justice Nyako over me.”
He insisted he was only present out of respect for the rule of law and argued that the prosecution had no right to try him.
Despite Kanu’s objections, Justice Nyako adjourned the case indefinitely.
Kanu’s trial, which began after his arrest in June 2021, was stalled on September 24, 2024, when he openly declared a loss of confidence in Justice Nyako, leading her to recuse herself.
However, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, later returned the case to her, stating that Kanu’s application for recusal needed to be filed formally.
During Monday’s proceedings, Nyako clarified that her recusal had not been formally accepted, advising Kanu’s defence team, led by Aloy Ejimakor, to submit a written application if they still wanted her to step aside.
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Ejimakor had earlier requested the case be transferred to a Federal High Court in the South-East if no judge in Abuja was willing to preside, but his request was ignored.
Prosecution counsel Adegboyega Awomolo objected to Kanu’s remarks, stating that it was improper for him to insult the court.
He urged the judge to set a date for trial since the defence had not submitted a formal request.
Justice Nyako, however, ruled to adjourn the matter indefinitely.