A judge steps down from Nnamdi Kanu’s trial following disorder in the courtroom and allegations of bias, sparking significant developments in the high-profile case.
Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has withdrawn from the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who faces terrorism charges filed by the federal government.
Reports indicate that the judge made this decision on Tuesday after Kanu expressed a lack of confidence and trust in her ability to preside over the case.
During the proceedings on Tuesday, Kanu abruptly stood up from the dock and instructed his attorney, Aloy Ejimako, to remain seated while he addressed the court.
In the ensuing commotion, Kanu took control of the proceedings, declared his loss of confidence in Justice Binta Nyako, and demanded her immediate recusal.
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Despite objections from the federal government’s attorney, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, who argued that the trial’s commencement was in accordance with a Supreme Court ruling, the judge maintained her decision to step aside.
Justice Nyako expressed her preference for another judge to oversee the trial and subsequently recused herself, directing that the case file be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, for reassignment.
Kanu has since been returned to the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Further details will follow.
