Nnamdi Kanu Demands Transfer of Case to Southeast, Rejects Justice Nyako’s Return

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has reiterated his demand that Justice Binta Nyako of the Abuja Federal High Court should not preside over his case. Kanu, during a meeting with his legal team at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility in Abuja, instructed his lawyers to ensure that Justice Nyako does not return to the trial, following her earlier recusal.

Kanu had previously challenged Justice Nyako’s involvement in his trial, citing a lack of confidence. In response, on September 24, 2024, the judge stepped down and transferred the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho. However, recent developments suggest that Justice Nyako may be resuming the case, prompting Kanu’s renewed opposition.

His lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, issued a statement on Wednesday emphasizing Kanu’s stance. He noted that any move by Justice Nyako to oversee the proceedings would amount to disregarding her own decision to withdraw. The legal team expects the Chief Judge to assign a new judge to the case and is prepared to proceed under such circumstances.

Kanu further argued that if no judge in Abuja is willing to take up the trial, the case should be transferred to a Federal High Court in the Southeast or South-South. Ejimakor stated that potential locations for the trial include Umuahia, Awka, Enugu, Asaba, or Port Harcourt—jurisdictions where the alleged offenses took place or had an impact.

The legal team is now awaiting further direction from the Chief Judge regarding the reassignment of the case.