Judge Binta Nyako Recuses Herself from Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial Following Courtroom Uproar

 

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has withdrawn from the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the self-proclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), after a heated exchange in court. Kanu, who is facing terrorism charges filed by the federal government, expressed a lack of confidence in the judge, leading to her decision to step down from the case.

Courtroom Tension and Kanu's Outburst

During Tuesday’s proceedings, Kanu dramatically interrupted his legal representation, shouting down his lawyer, Aloy Ejimako, and taking control of the courtroom. He expressed his distrust in Justice Nyako, demanding her immediate recusal. Kanu, speaking loudly, stated, "I do not have confidence in this court. I do not trust you. Recuse yourself from this case immediately." He further accused the Nigerian government of lacking jurisdiction to bring terrorism charges against him, arguing that the alleged crimes were committed in the United Kingdom, and therefore, he should only face charges in that jurisdiction.

Ejimako Overpowered, Government Lawyer Objects

In a surprising turn, Kanu repeatedly ordered his lawyer to sit down, asserting control over the legal proceedings. Despite Ejimako’s reluctance, he eventually complied with Kanu’s demand. Kanu also accused the federal government’s legal team, led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo SAN, of executing the government’s agenda against him, stating that the trial was unjust and politically motivated.

Awomolo vehemently opposed Kanu’s demands for the judge to step down, referencing a Supreme Court ruling that allowed the continuation of the trial on seven remaining charges. He urged the court to disregard Kanu's objections, calling them "incompetent" and pushing to open the federal government’s case against the defendant.

Judge Nyako Steps Down from Trial

Despite the federal government’s objections, Justice Binta Nyako opted to recuse herself from the trial, citing Kanu's disruptive behavior as a key reason for her decision. "I have no problem recusing myself. In fact, I would be happy to do so," she remarked. She further added, "With over 700 cases in my docket, Kanu’s case is just one of many. If a defendant can silence his own lawyer and disrupt proceedings, what more is left for this court?"

Nyako also noted that she had already delivered 24 rulings in the case and that the Supreme Court’s order would not prevent her from stepping aside. She instructed that the case file be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, for reassignment to another judge.

Federal Government Ready to Proceed

Before the proceedings were derailed, the federal government had expressed readiness to open its case against Kanu, with witnesses already present in court. Awomolo had requested that the first witness testify behind a shield for security reasons, but the trial was halted before this could proceed.

Defense Team Seeks Trial Delay

Kanu’s lawyer, Ejimako, objected to the immediate commencement of the trial, stating that they had not been given adequate time to prepare their client. He also complained about poor conditions provided for consultations with Kanu by the Department of State Services (DSS), citing a lack of privacy and an unclean meeting room.

Furthermore, Ejimako informed the court of three pending appeals challenging previous rulings, two of which questioned the court’s jurisdiction, while the third related to Kanu’s bail application. He requested that the trial be paused until these appeals were resolved. However, the court denied his request, citing the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (2015), which does not permit such delays.

Next Steps

Following Justice Nyako’s recusal, Kanu was taken back into DSS custody, where he will remain until a new judge is assigned to the case. The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court is expected to reassign the trial in the coming days, allowing the federal government’s case against the IPOB leader to continue.

This latest development marks a significant twist in the ongoing legal battle surrounding Nnamdi Kanu, whose trial has sparked widespread interest and controversy across Nigeria.