By Our Reporter
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on Monday raised concerns over the jurisdiction of the court in his ongoing terrorism trial. He made the statement as he reappeared before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court for the continuation of his prolonged case.
Although Kanu argued that Justice Nyako lacked jurisdiction to preside over his trial, the judge chose to adjourn the case indefinitely.
Kanu was brought back to Nigeria in June 2021 and has been detained while facing terrorism charges. His trial faced delays after Justice Nyako recused herself from the case on September 24, 2024, following an oral application made by Kanu, who expressed a lack of confidence in her ability to fairly handle the trial.
However, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, reassigned the case to Justice Nyako, stating that Kanu’s request needed to be formally filed through a motion on notice.
In response, the prosecution counsel, led by Adegboyega Awomolo, wrote a letter on December 5, 2024, requesting the court to schedule a date to resume the trial. On the other hand, Kanu’s defense counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, sent a letter on December 9, 2024, arguing that the judge’s recusal still stood and requested the case be transferred to a Federal High Court in the South-East if no judge in Abuja was willing to hear it.
During the hearing on February 10, 2025, Justice Nyako clarified that the Chief Judge had not accepted her recusal and had sent the case back to her. She instructed the defense to submit a formal written application if they still wished to pursue her recusal.
Meanwhile, the prosecution team, led by Awomolo, stated they were prepared to proceed with the trial as their witnesses were ready.
Kanu, visibly frustrated, openly questioned the reason for his appearance before Justice Nyako. He stated that her statements were meaningless to him and that he did not recognize her authority over his case. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the Chief Judge’s decision to return the case to Justice Nyako, insisting that the prosecution lacked the grounds to proceed with the case.
The IPOB leader further accused Justice Nyako of bias and claimed her handling of the case was detrimental to the country’s legal system. He added that he was present in court solely out of respect for the rule of law.
In response to Kanu’s remarks, the prosecution counsel objected, requesting a fixed date for the trial’s commencement, and criticized Kanu for insulting the court.
Despite Kanu’s objections, Justice Nyako adjourned the case indefinitely.