Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has withdrawn from the treason trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
This decision was made public on Tuesday following Kanu’s request for her recusal from the proceedings.
During the session, Kanu’s attorney, Alloy Ejimakor, sought a postponement of the trial, citing a lack of preparation time for Kanu’s defence.
However, Kanu interrupted, insisting that his lawyer sit down and expressed his loss of confidence in the court.
He criticized the judge for not adhering to a Supreme Court ruling, stating that it was disappointing for the court to disregard such an important decision.
Kanu said: “Sit down! I say you should sit down.
“My lord, I have no confidence in this court any more 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 refuse 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 said.
While the prosecution, represented by Adegboyega Awomolo, urged the court to continue with the trial, Justice Nyako chose to step aside.
She announced her recusal and indicated that the case file would be returned to the Chief Judge for further handling.
Binta proceeded to say: “I hereby recuse myself and remit the case-file back to the Chief Judge.”
