Justice Nyako Recuses Self From Nnamdi Kanu’s Terrorism Trial
Justice Binta Nyako, the presiding judge in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has withdrawn from the case. Justice Nyako recused herself on Tuesday after Kanu accused her of failing to comply with orders from the Supreme Court.
During the court proceedings, Kanu interrupted his counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and took over the submission himself, expressing frustration with the judge’s handling of the case. Ejimakor had been appealing to the court for a postponement to allow Kanu more time to prepare for his defence, but Kanu firmly directed his lawyer to sit down, saying, “Sit down! I say you should sit down!”
Kanu then addressed the court, stating, “My lord, I have no confidence in this court anymore and I ask you to recuse yourself because you did not abide by the decision of the Supreme Court. I can understand it if the DSS refuses to obey a court order, but for this court to refuse to obey an order of the Supreme Court is regrettable.”
Despite an attempt by the prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), to continue with the trial, Justice Nyako decided to step down, saying, “I hereby recuse myself and remit the case file back to the Chief Judge.”
Justice Nyako has presided over Kanu’s trial since his initial arrest in 2015 for his involvement in the agitation for the secession of Biafra from Nigeria. In June 2017, she granted Kanu bail, but he fled the country following a military raid on his family compound in Afara-Ukwu, Umuahia, Abia State.
Upon Kanu’s rendition back to Nigeria from Kenya in 2021, Justice Nyako dismissed seven of the 15 charges against him, which included treasonable felony, citing a lack of sufficient evidence.
The case will now be reassigned by the Chief Judge for further proceedings.
