In a turn of events, Justice Binta Nyako has “recused” herself from the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), following Kanu’s request in open court.
At the resumed hearing on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Kanu expressed his loss of confidence in the court and demanded Justice Nyako’s recusal. Kanu, who is being prosecuted by the Federal Government on a seven-count charge of terrorism, said:
“My lord, 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.”
“I can understand it if the DSS refuses to obey a court order, but for this court to refuse to obey an order of the Supreme Court is regrettable.”
“I am asking you to recuse yourself from this case.”
Kanu’s outburst came when his lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor, was attempting to persuade the court to suspend the trial due to lack of preparation time. Kanu interrupted his lawyer, saying:
“Sit down! I say you should sit down!”
Despite prosecution counsel Adegboyega Awomolo’s (SAN) urging to proceed with the trial, Justice Nyako declared:
“I hereby recuse myself and remit the case file back to the Chief Judge.”
She added that she would be happy to step down from the case.
“It is with heavy hearts that I recuse myself from this case,” Justice Nyako said.
The case will now be reassigned to another judge.