Mazi, Nnamdi Kanu, the defiant leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been returned to the custody of the Department of State Service (DSS) following the indefinite adjournment of his terrorism trial.
Justice Binta Fatima Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja made the ruling on Monday, citing the need for further review of the case.
Background of the Case
The adjournment came after Kanu insisted that Justice Nyako could not preside over his case, citing her previous recusal from the matter.
On September 24, 2024, Justice Nyako had opted out of Kanu’s case after an oral application by the defendant. However, the Chief Judge of the court, Justice John Tsoho, later returned the case file to Justice Nyako, stating that Kanu’s application must be formally brought before the court through a motion on notice.
Kanu, who took over the proceedings from his lawyers, directly told the judge that he no longer had confidence in her handling of his trial. He also accused the prosecution counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, of subverting the law and being biased.
In her ruling, Justice Nyako explained that although she did not want to preside over the case, the Chief Judge had refused her recusal and directed the defendant to file a formal motion asking for a reassignment of the case to another judge.
Defiant Kanu Outbursts in Court
Kanu’s outburst in court was marked by his insistence that Justice Nyako had no jurisdiction to preside over his case. He also accused the Chief Judge of trying to embarrass the court by asking Justice Nyako to sit on the case.
“I don’t recognize the authority of this court to preside over my case,” Kanu said. “Everything you said here is meaningless to me. Why is it that when it comes to my case, everything is turned upside-down?“
For all those seeking to understand the context to that dreadful spectacle in that @FederalHigh in Abuja, #Nigeria's federal capital, yesterday, here is the order made by the trial judge on 24 Sept 2024 recusing herself from the proceedings. What (has) changed? pic.twitter.com/UZYc4LI6xJ
— Chidi Odinkalu, CGoF (@ChidiOdinkalu) February 11, 2025
He said the memo sent by the Chief Judge returning the case file back to Nyako cannot overide the enrolled order of the court made on September 24.
Kanu Set Aside Defence Lawyers, Speaks for Himself
When told by the judge that he was at liberty to appeal the directive of the Chief judge, Kanu said: “If the Chief judge disagrees, he should appeal the decision.
“You cannot preside over this case, not now, not today, not ever. You stand recused and you must leave my case. I dont need you in my case. You are biased. Tell the Chief Judge that Nnamdi Kanu said so.
“This is not a court of law, this is a shrine to injustice and I will not subject myself to it.”
Nnamdi Kanu Questions Court Jurisdiction As Justice Nyako Adjourns Case Indefinitely pic.twitter.com/fCn9GJOES6
— Channels Television (@channelstv) February 10, 2025
In his submission, Awomolo asked the court to fix a date for trial.
“In view of the fact that the defendant has indicated that he will not make a formal application, I apply that your lordship gives us a definite date be fixed for trial,” Awomolo prayed.
Kanu cut in again, shouting, “Because of money they are paying you from the AGF’s office, a grown-up man like you is here supporting evil. The rule of law says you should go on appeal.
“The same Chief Judge writing this stupid memo, I have recused him before. He sat on appeal, I took him to NJC and recused him. Why is he insisting on this one? He wants to embarrass your lordship by asking her to sit on this case.”
In her ruling, Justice Nyako said: “The only decision I can make right now is that in the light of what is happening now in court, I am going to adjourn this case sine die meaning indefinitely.”
Again, Kanu cut in: “You have no jurisdiction to adjourn anything. None whatsoever. You cannot make an order without jurisdiction. The memo from the Chief Judge cannot confer jurisdiction upon you.”
He was eventually led back to detention by operatives of the DSS.
SE leaders have long been requesting the matter be politically resolved as the state’s case against Mr Kanu appears to be embroiled in an irresolvable legal quagmire.
Like 👍, Comment, share this article, and Follow us on our social media handles.
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
