- Nnamdi Kanu accuses Justice Binta Nyako of judicial misconduct, alleging her actions have caused him “incalculable damage” and liberty deprivation
- Kanu criticizes Nyako for violating the Constitution by not reinstating his bail despite a Supreme Court order, seeking disciplinary action
Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has been accused of prejudice in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The activist claimed in a January 13 petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC) that the judge’s conduct had deprived him of his freedom and caused him “incalculable damage.”
In addition, Kanu criticised the judge for violating the 1999 Constitution by refusing to reinstate his bail in spite of the Supreme Court’s order.
Journalists were given access to the petition on Saturday, which was backed by an affidavit given by Prince Emmanuel Kanu, the brother of the IPOB leader.
The Federal Government arraigned Kanu on a seven-count charge of treasonable felony and terrorism in 2022.
The petition read: “Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako currently presides over Court 2 of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division. Her conduct amounts to judicial fraud and non-adherence to the Constitution and established rules of law.
“Her refusal to reinstate my bail despite the Supreme Court’s determination constitutes disobedience to Section 287(1) of the Constitution, which mandates all authorities and courts to enforce decisions of the Supreme Court.
“Wherefore, the complainant prays the Council to discipline Her Lordship, Honourable Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako in accordance with the pertinent rules for disciplining erring judicial officers.”