Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has officially withdrawn from the treason trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the self-proclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The announcement came on Tuesday, shortly after Kanu requested the judge to recuse herself from the proceedings.
During the case’s mention, Kanu’s lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor, sought a postponement of the trial, asserting that Kanu had been denied adequate opportunity to prepare his defense.
However, before Ejimakor could complete his argument, Kanu interjected from the dock, instructing his lawyer to sit down.
Kanu expressed his lack of confidence in the court, stating, “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.”
He criticized the court for allegedly failing to enforce a Supreme Court order, emphasizing that while he could understand the Department of State Services (DSS) disregarding a court order, it was unacceptable for the judiciary to do the same.
In response, prosecution lawyer Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) urged the court to continue with the trial. However, Justice Nyako opted to withdraw, stating, “I hereby recuse myself and remit the case-file back to the Chief Judge.”
Kanu has faced serious charges related to treason and terrorism, and his legal team’s actions in court underscore the ongoing tensions surrounding his trial. The case is now set to be reassigned to another judge as it progresses through the legal system.
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