Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), reiterated on Wednesday that Justice Binta Nyako of the Abuja Federal High Court should not preside over his case.
Kanu instructed his legal team to ensure that Justice Nyako stays away from his trial after her recusal. On September 24, 2024, Kanu had requested that Justice Nyako withdraw, citing a lack of confidence. Following his request, Justice Nyako stepped down, transferring his case to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho.
During a meeting with his legal team, led by Aloy Ejimakor, at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility in Abuja, Kanu emphasized that it would be improper for Justice Nyako to restart the case. This was outlined in a statement issued by Ejimakor on Wednesday.
The statement confirmed that Kanu has instructed his team to ensure the case is moved to the Southeast if no judge in Abuja is willing to take it on. Ejimakor stated, “The visit to Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu continues as planned. The key issue discussed was the upcoming court date for the continuation of his case.”
He added, “Given the constitutional importance, Onyendu directed his legal team to take steps to ensure Justice Nyako, who withdrew from the case, does not oversee it again. If the case is reassigned to her, it would be a violation of her own recusal order.”
The legal team hopes to proceed in court if another judge from the Federal High Court is assigned. If no judge in Abuja is available, the Chief Judge may transfer the case to any Federal High Court in the Southeast, such as Umuahia, Awka, Enugu, Asaba, or Port Harcourt, where the alleged offenses occurred.
