The Federal High Court in Abuja has indefinitely adjourned the terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), following a heated courtroom session that saw Justice Binta Nyako recuse herself from the case.
The trial has faced legal roadblocks since September 24, 2024, when Justice Nyako stepped down after Kanu expressed a lack of confidence in her impartiality. The case was subsequently transferred to Chief Judge John Tsoho, who later returned it to Nyako for continuation—a move Kanu and his legal team vehemently opposed.
Kanu Rejects Court’s Authority
Kanu, who has been in DSS custody since his controversial rendition from Kenya in 2021, openly rejected the court’s jurisdiction, declaring that Justice Nyako had no right to preside over his trial after her previous recusal.
“You cannot preside over this case, not now, not today, not ever. You stand recused and must leave my case,” Kanu told the judge during the session.
His lawyers argued that the Chief Judge’s decision to reassign the case to Nyako undermines the principles of justice, further complicating the legal battle surrounding the IPOB leader.
Legal Stalemate and Next Steps
With the indefinite adjournment, there is currently no timeline for the resumption of Kanu’s trial, raising concerns about due process and the broader political implications of his continued detention.
Despite the Federal Government’s push to proceed with the terrorism charges, Kanu’s defense team is expected to explore legal avenues to challenge the ruling and possibly seek a transfer of the case to a different judge or jurisdiction.
