Abuja, 24th September 2024– In a significant development at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice Binta Nyako has announced her decision to step down from the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). This came during the resumed hearing on Tuesday.
Justice Nyako’s decision to recuse herself followed a request from Kanu, who expressed a loss of confidence in the court. He claimed the judge had failed to comply with a Supreme Court ruling. Kanu, who faces a seven-count charge related to terrorism, directly asked the judge to withdraw from his case.
“I have no confidence in this court any more, and I ask you to recuse yourself because you did not abide by the decision of the Supreme Court,” Kanu stated during the proceedings.
Responding to his plea, Justice Nyako agreed to step aside, saying she had already been considering the move. She announced her intention to send Kanu’s case back to the Chief Judge for reassignment. “I hereby recuse myself and remit the case file back to the Chief Judge,” she declared.
Despite efforts by the prosecution, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Adegboyega Awomolo, to urge the court to continue the trial, Justice Nyako remained firm in her decision.
The case will now be reassigned to a new judge, further prolonging the trial of the IPOB leader, who has been detained by the Federal Government on charges of terrorism.
The legal team and supporters of Nnamdi Kanu continue to push for his release, while the government maintains its stance on the charges he faces.
