Emerging events at the Federal High Court revealed that Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has requested that Justice Binta Nyako “recuse” herself from his ongoing trial.
Reports indicated that Kanu cited a profound loss of confidence in the court’s impartiality as the basis for his request.
During a recent hearing, Kanu disagreed with Nyako’s management of his case, alleging that she had failed to comply with directives issued by the Supreme Court.
He made his appeal directly in the courtroom, further revealing his dissatisfaction with the judicial process.
Justice Nyako, on the other hand, responded to Kanu’s request by announcing her willingness to step down from the case.
She stated that she would forward the case file to the Chief Judge for reassignment and any further necessary actions.
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It was said that the courtroom atmosphere was intensified when Kanu, disregarding his counsel Alloy Ejimakor’s attempts to intervene, stood up from the dock to address Justice Nyako directly.
He referenced a Supreme Court ruling that questioned the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court over the alleged broadcast that forms the crux of his charges.
Kanu quoted sections of the Supreme Court’s judgment that suggested a perceived bias against Justice Nyako, further justifying his call for her recusal.
Recall that the IPOB leader has faced legal challenges since his re-arrest in Kenya in 2021, following his earlier escape from bail conditions set by the court.
He currently faces terrorism charges, to which he has pleaded not guilty. Despite his pleas, Justice Nyako has denied him bail, citing his previous non-compliance with bail conditions.
Kanu remains in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), awaiting further developments in his case.
