A dramatic scene unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday as Aloy Ejimakor, the lead counsel for Nnamdi Kanu, insisted that Justice Binta Nyako step down from the trial. The demand, according to Ejimakor, was at the request of his client, the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in the custody of the State Security Service (SSS) since 2021, faces charges of terrorism and treasonable felony over his agitation for an independent Biafra. His trial took a fresh turn as he reiterated his lack of confidence in Justice Nyako’s handling of the case.
Security was tight as Kanu arrived in court at 8:30 a.m. under heavy escort by SSS operatives. The courtroom, packed with legal teams, journalists, and supporters, buzzed with anticipation as proceedings began.
This latest controversy follows Justice Nyako’s previous decision to recuse herself from the case after Kanu openly objected to her continuation during a court session on September 24, 2024. However, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, reversed the move, ruling that Kanu’s demand must be made through a formal application.
Read also: Stop pleading for my release, my struggle for self -determination isn’t a crime – Nnamdi Kanu
In a letter dated December 5, 2024, the prosecution, led by senior lawyer Adegboyega Awomolo, urged the court to set a trial date. However, Ejimakor fired back in a response dated December 9, 2024, insisting that the recusal order remained in effect. He further requested that if no judge in Abuja was willing to take over, the case should be transferred to a Federal High Court in the South-East.
During Monday’s hearing, the prosecution announced readiness to proceed with the trial, stating that witnesses were available. But Ejimakor maintained that Kanu would not stand trial before Justice Nyako, reiterating the call for her recusal.
Justice Nyako responded firmly, clarifying that the Chief Judge had reassigned the case to her. She instructed the defence team to submit a formal application if they wished to challenge the decision.
With tensions running high and uncertainty surrounding the next legal steps, all eyes are now on the Federal High Court as the legal battle over Kanu’s fate intensifies.
