Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has announced her decision to recuse herself from the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
This development followed Kanu’s outburst on Tuesday that he has lost confidence in the court, he also accused the judge of failing to comply with a Supreme Court ruling.
During the trial’s resumption on Tuesday, Kanu openly requested Justice Nyako to step down from his case, citing her refusal to obey the Supreme Court’s directives.
In his view, the court’s actions undermined his faith in the judicial process.
In response, Justice Nyako indicated that she had no objections to Kanu’s request. “I have no issue with recusing myself,” she said, adding that she would be forwarding the case file to the Chief Judge for reassignment.
“I will send the case file back to the Chief Judge for necessary actions.”
Tensions rose in the courtroom when Kanu, addressing the judge directly, interrupted his counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, instructing him to remain seated.
Kanu, standing in the dock, referred to the Supreme Court’s judgment, questioning the federal court’s jurisdiction over the charges against him, particularly in relation to the location of the alleged broadcasts forming part of the case.
“Sit down! I told you to sit down!” Kanu yelled at his lawyer before turning to the judge. “My lord, I no longer have confidence in this court. You failed to follow the Supreme Court’s ruling, and I respectfully request that you step aside from this case.”
He further remarked, “While I can understand the DSS disregarding court orders, it is deeply regrettable when this court refuses to obey the Supreme Court’s decision.”
Kanu read aloud a portion of the Supreme Court judgment, which he claimed raised concerns about Justice Nyako’s potential bias in the case.
Earlier, counsel for the Federal Government, Adegboyega Awomolo, had indicated his readiness to proceed with the trial.
However, in light of Kanu’s objections, the trial was unable to move forward. Awomolo briefly attempted to persuade Justice Nyako to continue, but she stood firm in her decision.
“I hereby recuse myself and will remit the case file to the Chief Judge,” she declared, bringing the proceedings to an abrupt halt.
Meanwhile, Kanu has been taken to the DSS custody for continuation of his detention till the Chief Judge would reassign the case to another judge.
