In a dramatic turn of events at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice Binta Nyako has recused herself from presiding over the treason trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The decision came after Kanu expressed a lack of confidence in the court’s proceedings, citing its failure to adhere to a Supreme Court ruling.
During the hearing on Tuesday, September 24, Kanu’s lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor, requested an adjournment to allow his client time to adequately prepare his defense. However, Kanu interrupted, instructing Ejimakor to sit down before addressing Justice Nyako directly. He stated: “My lord, I have no confidence in this court anymore. I ask you to recuse yourself because you did not abide by the Supreme Court’s decision.”
Prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) countered Kanu’s claims, arguing that the Supreme Court’s ruling permitted the continuation of the trial on the remaining seven charges. Awomolo urged Justice Nyako to proceed with the hearing, dismissing Kanu’s objections as “incompetent.”
Despite these arguments, Kanu continued his outburst, citing what he described as the “suspect impartiality” of the trial court. Though Kanu expressed personal admiration for Justice Nyako, he claimed that the court was enabling the prosecution to push him into an unconstitutional trial.
Frustrated by the defendant’s conduct, Justice Nyako declared her withdrawal from the case, stating: “I hereby recuse myself and remit the case file to the Chief Judge.”
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