Justice Nyako Resumes Nnamdi Kanu’s Case After Chief Judge’s Directive
Background on Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court (FHC), Justice John Tsoho, has directed Justice Binta Nyako to resume presiding over the treason trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). This decision comes weeks after Justice Nyako recused herself from the case, following requests made by Kanu and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor.
Kanu, who has faced charges related to his separatist activities since 2015, is accused of attempting to create the Republic of Biafra from Nigeria. His trial has been marred by legal challenges, courtroom disruptions, and shifting judicial oversight.
Recusal of Justice Nyako
On September 24, 2024, during a particularly dramatic session, Justice Nyako stepped down from the case. Kanu’s outburst in court, where he asked his lawyer to sit down and directly confronted the judge, accusing her of disrespecting a Supreme Court ruling regarding his rights, led to her recusal.
In the session, Kanu expressed his lack of confidence in Nyako’s ability to impartially hear the case. Despite efforts by the prosecuting lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo, to keep Justice Nyako on the case, she made the decision to step down and send the file back to the Chief Judge for reassignment.
The Return of the Case to Justice Nyako
However, in a twist, Justice Tsoho has ordered that the case file be returned to Justice Nyako for further proceedings. This decision comes with a condition: Kanu’s request for Nyako’s recusal must be formally submitted through a motion on notice, outlining the specific reasons for his request. Once the motion is filed, the Federal Government, represented by the Attorney-General’s Office, will have the opportunity to respond. Both parties will present their arguments in court, and a decision on the matter will be made by Justice Nyako.
The next step in the trial process will involve the submission of this motion, and all parties are expected to present their positions before the court resumes hearings.
History of Kanu’s Trial
Kanu first appeared before the Federal High Court on December 23, 2015. Since then, his trial has faced several delays, judicial changes, and dramatic courtroom incidents. Initially, the case was handled by Justice Mohammed, who is now a judge at the Court of Appeal. Kanu objected to being tried before Justice Mohammed, citing concerns that he would not receive a fair trial. This pattern has continued, with Kanu expressing doubts about several judges, including Justice Nyako, throughout the years of his legal battle.
The Future of Kanu’s Case
As the trial continues, the next major development will be the hearing of Kanu’s formal request for Justice Nyako’s recusal. Until then, Justice Nyako remains in charge of the case, as directed by the Chief Judge. The trial is expected to resume once the legal procedural requirements are met, and Kanu’s objections are formally addressed.
Observers of the trial are keen to see how the case will unfold in the coming weeks, especially given the renewed involvement of Justice Nyako and the continued legal challenges posed by Kanu’s defense team. The trial, which has been ongoing for nearly a decade, remains one of the most significant legal battles in Nigeria’s recent history, involving questions of national unity, separatist movements, and the limits of free speech and assembly.
Social Media Reactions:
- @JudicialWatchNG: “Justice Nyako is back on the Kanu case. Can we expect a fair trial this time around?”
- @LegalPulseAfrica: “Chief Judge directs Nyako to continue Nnamdi Kanu’s trial. Will this case ever end?”
- @BiafraRightsNG: “Kanu’s trial takes another turn as Justice Nyako resumes after stepping down. #JusticeForKanu”
- @NigeriaJusticeNow: “Weeks after recusing herself, Justice Nyako is back on the Nnamdi Kanu case. What changed?”
- @PoliticalWatchNG: “Kanu demanded Nyako step down, but she’s back on the case. What’s next in this never-ending trial?”
- @LegalUpdatesNG: “Drama in the courtroom continues: Justice Nyako to hear Nnamdi Kanu’s case once again.”
- @HumanRightsWatchNG: “Justice Nyako returns to Kanu’s trial. Is this a victory for due process or just legal confusion?”
- @NigeriaLegalSystem: “After stepping down, Justice Nyako resumes Kanu’s trial. What does this mean for justice in Nigeria?”
- @TrialWatchNG: “Justice Nyako is back on the Nnamdi Kanu case. Will we finally see a resolution?”
- @IPOBSupportersNG: “Kanu asked her to step down, but Nyako is back. Is the judiciary playing games?”
- @CourtroomNG: “Justice Nyako resumes Kanu’s case—how will the defense team respond this time?”
- @LegalReformNG: “With Justice Nyako back, the Kanu trial continues. How much longer will this legal battle last?”
- @NigeriaLawUpdate: “Another twist in the Kanu case: Justice Nyako returns after stepping down just weeks ago.”
