By Our Reporter
Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has withdrawn from the treason trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the self-proclaimed leader of the separatist group Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The judge announced her withdrawal on Tuesday, following Kanu’s demand for her recusal from the case. During the proceedings, Kanu’s lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor, requested a postponement of the trial, citing that Kanu had been denied the opportunity to adequately prepare his defense.
Before Ejimakor could finish his statement, Kanu interrupted, instructing his lawyer to sit down. He then addressed the court, stating, “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. While I can understand if the DSS refuses to obey a court order, it is regrettable for this court to disregard a Supreme Court ruling.”
Kanu reiterated his request for the judge to step aside. In response, prosecution lawyer Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) urged the court to continue with the trial, but Justice Nyako ultimately chose to withdraw. She announced, “I hereby recuse myself and remit the case file back to the Chief Judge.”