Nnamdi Kanu’s trial adjourned indefinitely as IPOB founder rejects judge

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako has adjourned indefinitely, the trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB),  Nnamdi Kanu.

Kanu appeared on Monday before 1Nyako of the Federal High Court for the resumption hearing in his case.

However, the Court adjourned the trial indefinitely because of Kanu’s insistence that Justice Nyako cannot preside over his case, citing her previous recusal.

The indefinite adjournment follows a heated courtroom exchange where Kanu openly rejected Justice Binta Nyako’s authority to preside over his case.

The IPOD leader insisted that Justice Nyako has no jurisdiction over his trial, after her earlier decision to withdraw from the case.

In September 2024, Nyako had recused herself following Kanu’s oral request.

However, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, later reassigned the case back to her, insisting that Kanu needed to formally apply for reassignment through a motion on notice.

Kanu expressed displeasure over  the Chief Judge’s directive to return the case to Justice Nyako, insisting that the prosecution cannot prosecute him.

“Justice Nyako is biased over my case and should not preside over the case. Again, poor knowledge of the court is affecting Nigeria.” He said

At the hearing, prosecution Counsel Adegboyega Awomolo objected to Kanu’s remarks and asked for a definite date.

Awomolo said it was not right for Kanu to insult the court.

He went ahead to inform the court that all necessary documents had been submitted, and they were ready for trial.

Kanu’s counsel, Mr Ejimakor, however 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.

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.

Recall that in January Kanu filed a petition against Justice Nyako before the National Judicial Council, accusing her of judicial misconduct in handling his trial.

Also, a few days ago, the IPOB leader called for his case to be transferred to the South-East if no judge at the Federal High Court in Abuja is willing to preside over it apart from Justice Binta Nyako.