Court Suspends Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial Indefinitely  

Abuja, Nigeria  —  The Federal High Court in Abuja has indefinitely suspended the terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), following his objection to the continued involvement of Justice Binta Nyako in the case.

Kanu, who is facing terrorism and treasonable felony charges, challenged the impartiality of Justice Nyako, expressing dissatisfaction with the Chief Judge’s decision to return the case to her after she had previously recused herself. He maintained that his presence in court was solely out of respect for the rule of law.

During Monday’s proceedings, prosecution counsel Mr. Awomolo informed the court that the prosecution was prepared to proceed with the trial, with witnesses ready to testify. However, defense counsel Mr. Ejimakor reiterated Kanu’s stance, stating that his client would not stand trial before Justice Nyako.

“The defendant is still insisting that Your Lordship should recuse herself from this matter,” Ejimakor asserted.

In response, Justice Nyako clarified that the Chief Judge had declined her recusal and had reassigned the case to her. She advised Kanu’s legal team to file a formal application if they wished for her to step aside.

Mr. Awomolo objected to Kanu’s verbal protest, arguing that any concerns about judicial bias should have been submitted through a formal application rather than open defiance in court. He further criticized Kanu’s remarks, describing them as an attempt to “insult the court.”

Following the heated exchanges, Justice Nyako ruled to adjourn the case indefinitely, marking the second time in less than five months that Kanu has questioned her ability to deliver a fair trial.

Kanu, who has been in State Security Service (SSS) custody since 2021, restated his rejection of Justice Nyako’s jurisdiction over his trial. He openly questioned why the case was reassigned to her and insisted that she could not fairly prosecute him.

“I do not recognize the authority of this court under Justice Nyako,” Kanu declared, alleging bias in the handling of his case. He further claimed that gaps in judicial knowledge were contributing to Nigeria’s legal challenges.

IPOB, the secessionist group led by Kanu, continues to push for the creation of an independent Biafra nation, seeking to separate Nigeria’s South-East and parts of neighboring states from the federation.

By Enoch Odesola|February 10, 2025.