Nnamdi Kanu’s Fresh Trial Begins Today

The fresh trial of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu kicks off today, as legal battles over his detention and charges continue to unfold.

The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is scheduled to resume today with a new judge presiding at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Kanu, extradited from Kenya in 2021 to face treason-related charges, has expressed his lack of confidence in Justice Binta Nyako after three years of legal proceedings.

In light of this development, the case has been reassigned to Justice James Omotosho. He set a new hearing date for March 21. Reports indicate that hearing notices have already been dispatched to all involved parties, and the case file along with essential documents has been transferred to his court.

Unless there are any last-minute delays, Kanu is anticipated to be re-arraigned today on the remaining seven charges filed against him by the Federal Government.

On December 15, 2023, the Supreme Court issued a ruling requiring Kanu to face trial on the remaining charges. This decision reversed an earlier judgment by the Court of Appeal that had discharged and acquitted him. While recognizing that Kanu’s extradition from Kenya was unlawful, the apex court determined that this did not deprive the Federal High Court of its authority to continue with his trial.

Since the Supreme Court’s verdict, minimal progress has been achieved because Kanu’s legal team has consistently requested additional time and resources to prepare his defense.

On September 24, 2023, Justice Nyako recused herself from the case following a public request for her withdrawal by Kanu. Despite initially resisting this decision and instructing her to proceed with the case, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho eventually reassigned it to Justice Omotosho. This set up today’s proceedings under new judicial oversight.