Nnamdi Kanu requests once more that the judge drop his case

Drama unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday morning when Aloy Ejimakor, legal counsel for Nnamdi Kanu, demanded that Judge Binta Nyako recuse herself from the trial. Ejimakor emphasized that his client—the leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who is currently in SSS custody since 2021—had once again requested the judge’s withdrawal from the case. Kanu faces charges of terrorism and treasonable felony tied to his separatist activities.

Arriving at the court alongside SSS operatives around 8:30 a.m., Kanu’s trial had been previously delayed after Judge Nyako recused herself on September 24, 2024, following an oral application by the IPOB leader. During Monday’s proceedings, Kanu himself interrupted to insist that the judge step down, stating he no longer had confidence in her handling of his case.

However, Chief Judge John Tsoho returned the file to Judge Nyako, clarifying that Kanu’s request must be formally submitted through a motion on notice. On December 5, 2024, the prosecution led by Adegboyega Awomolo requested that a trial date be set, as detailed in a letter addressed to the Deputy Chief Registrar. In response, defense counsel Ejimakor, in a letter dated December 9, 2024, maintained that the recusal ruling should stand.

Ejimakor further proposed that if no judge in Abuja were willing to preside over the trial, the case should be transferred to a division of the Federal High Court in the Igbo-dominated South-East region.

At Monday’s resumed hearing, while the prosecution confirmed that their witnesses were ready and a trial date could commence, Ejimakor reiterated that his client refused to be tried by Judge Nyako. “The defendant is still insisting that your lordship recuse herself from this matter,” he told the court. In reply, the judge noted that the Chief Judge had not accepted the recusal and had referred the case back to her for trial. She then requested that the defense submit a written application if they continue to insist on her recusal.