The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Monday, challenged the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court presided over by Justice Binta Nyako in his ongoing terrorism case.
Despite Kanu’s objections and claims that Justice Nyako lacked jurisdiction, the judge adjourned the case indefinitely.
Kanu, who was extradited to Nigeria in June 2021, has remained in detention while facing terrorism-related charges.
His trial was previously stalled after Justice Nyako recused herself on September 24, 2024, following Kanu’s oral application expressing a lack of confidence in her handling of the case.
However, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, later reassigned the case to Justice Nyako, stating that Kanu’s application for recusal must be formally filed through a motion on notice.
In a letter dated December 5, 2024, the prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, requested a trial date. In response, defence counsel Aloy Ejimakor argued in a December 9, 2024 letter that Justice Nyako’s recusal remained valid and requested the transfer of the case to a Federal High Court in the South-East if no Abuja-based judge was available to preside.
This request was not granted.
At the resumed hearing on February 10, 2025, Justice Nyako clarified that the Chief Judge had not accepted her recusal and referred the case back to her. She instructed the defence to file a written application if they still sought her withdrawal.
Meanwhile, the prosecution, led by Awomolo, expressed readiness to proceed with the trial, stating that their witnesses were prepared.
Poor Knowledge Of Court Affecting Nigeria – Kanu
Addressing the court, a furious Kanu questioned why he was brought before Justice Nyako. He said all that the judge said was meaningless to him. He said he does not recognise the authority of the court presided by Justice Nyako over him.
The IPOB leader said he was only in court because of the respect he has for the rule of law, adding that the judge had previously recused herself from the case.
Kanu said he was not happy with the decision of the chief judge who returned the case to Justice Nyako, insisting that the prosecution cannot prosecute him.
The IPOB leader insisted that Justice Nyako is biased over his case and should not preside over his case. He said poor knowledge of the court is affecting Nigeria.
The prosecution counsel took an objection to Kanu’s remarks and asked for a definite date for hearing since the prosecution has refused to file a written application. Awomolo said it was not right for Kanu to insult the court.
Despite Kanu’s objection, Justice Nyako adjourned his case indefinitely.