The Federal High Court in Abuja has indefinitely suspended the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
This follows a heated courtroom exchange where Kanu openly rejected Justice Binta Nyako’s authority to preside over his case.
The adjournment came after Kanu insisted that Nyako had no jurisdiction over his trial, after her earlier decision to withdraw from the case.
In September 2024, Nyako recused herself following Kanu’s oral request.
However, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, later reassigned the case back to her, arguing that Kanu needed to formally apply for reassignment through a motion on notice.
Despite this, Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, maintained that the judge’s withdrawal remained valid.
He requested that the case be transferred to another judge, preferably in the South-East, if no judge in Abuja was willing to preside.
At the February 10 hearing, prosecution lawyer Adegboyega Awomolo informed the court that all necessary documents had been submitted, and they were ready for trial.
However, Ejimakor disagreed, insisting that the issue at hand was Nyako’s jurisdiction, not trial proceedings.
As legal arguments continued, Kanu interrupted, demanding to speak for himself.
When asked if he wanted to take over from his lawyer, he replied affirmatively, stating that he was only present in court out of respect but did not recognize Nyako’s authority.
Kanu accused the court of manipulating the legal process and claimed that the chief judge’s directive could not override Nyako’s previous decision to recuse herself.
He further criticized the prosecution, alleging bias and unlawful interference in his case.
In response to the escalating tension, Nyako clarified that she did not wish to handle the case but was instructed to continue unless a formal application for reassignment was filed.
She then ruled that, given the circumstances, the case would be adjourned indefinitely.
Kanu rejected this ruling, stating that Nyako had no legal power to make any decisions regarding his case.
He declared that he would not recognize any further proceedings under her authority.
With the case now on hold, the next steps remain uncertain, as Kanu’s legal team may be required to formally request a new judge before proceedings can resume.
