The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has opposed the Federal Government’s request to resume his trial.
Nnamdi Kanu insists that the presiding judge, Justice Binta Nyako, must withdraw from the case.
Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that Justice Nyako had already recused herself on September 24, 2024.
He argued that the judge’s decision is still valid and binding, accusing the prosecution of attempting to mislead the court by pushing for the case to proceed under her.
“Our position is based on the fact that Justice Nyako entered and enrolled an order recusing herself on September 24, 2024, and to date, that order remains extant and subsisting. It has not been set aside by any competent court,” Ejimakor stated.
He emphasized that Kanu no longer has any case before Justice Nyako, as the order for her recusal has not been overturned by any court.
“For the avoidance of doubt, as of September 24, 2024, the defendant no longer has any case to answer before Justice Binta Nyako,” Ejimakor said
Kanu, facing seven charges including treasonable felony and terrorism, has consistently pleaded not guilty.
First arrested in 2015, Kanu was granted bail in 2017 but fled the country following a military raid on his home. He was later re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 and has been in custody ever since.
KanyiDaily recalls that Ohanaeze Ndigbo president, Fidelis Chukwu has urged the Nigerian government to release Nnamdi Kanu.