A Federal High Court in Abuja has indefinitely adjourned further proceedings in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the self-proclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Justice Binta Nyako made the decision on Monday after Kanu and his counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, insisted that the trial judge no longer had jurisdiction to preside over the case following her earlier recusal.
At the start of the session, prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) informed the court that all necessary documents had been filed and served, and the prosecution was ready to proceed. However, defence lawyer Aloy Ejimakor countered, stating that the issue before the court was not about continuing the trial.
Justice Nyako then clarified that while she had previously recused herself from the case, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court had rejected her withdrawal and directed that Kanu’s legal team file a formal motion requesting the reassignment of the case.
Speaking after the court sitting, Kanu stated that he attended court out of respect but insisted that Justice Nyako no longer had the jurisdiction to hear his case, having previously recused herself in September 2024.
“I don’t recognise the authority of this court to preside over my case. Everything you have said here is meaningless to me. Why is it that when it comes to my case, everything is turned upside down?”
He further argued that the Chief Judge’s memo directing Justice Nyako to resume the case could not override the court’s previous order excusing her from the matter.
