- Kanu has been detained by the DSS since 2021.
- He faced seven counts of treasonable felony.
Judge Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court has “recused” herself from presiding over Nnamdi Kanu’s trial.
Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), expressed loss of faith in Nyako’s ability to fairly handle his case during the latest court session.
Prosecutor Adegboyega Awomolo announced readiness to proceed with the trial and requested anonymity for the witness.
However, Kanu’s counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, requested a delay due to inadequate preparation time.
Kanu then interrupted Ejimakor, directing him to sit down.
He addressed Judge Nyako, 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 Department of State Services (DSS) refuses to obey a court order, but for this court to refuse to obey an order of the supreme court is regrettable.
“I am asking you to recuse yourself from this case.”
Despite prosecution’s urgings to continue, Nyako stepped down, returning the case file to the chief judge for reassignment.
“I hereby recuse myself and remit the case file back to the chief judge,” she declared.
Background
Kanu has been detained by the DSS since 2021.
He faces seven counts of treasonable felony.
In 2017, Kanu was granted bail but failed to appear, prompting a bench warrant.
In April 2022, Nyako dismissed eight counts.
The Court of Appeal quashed the remaining seven counts in October 2022 but later granted a stay of execution.
Kanu’s bail requests were denied in March and May.