The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), indefinitely.
Justice Binta Nyako adjourned the case on Monday following Kanu’s insistence that she could not preside over the matter, citing her previous recusal.
Kanu, who arrived at the court premises under the escort of operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) at about 8:30 a.m., objected to the trial proceeding under Justice Nyako.
His lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, told the court that Kanu maintained his position that Justice Nyako should recuse herself from the case. He noted that the IPOB leader had earlier requested the judge’s withdrawal on September 24, 2024, leading to her initial recusal.
However, the prosecuting counsel, led by Adegboyega Awomolo, informed the court that the prosecution was ready to proceed with its witnesses.
Justice Nyako responded that the Chief Judge had not accepted her recusal and had referred the case back to her for trial. She directed the defence team to submit a formal application if they wished to pursue the request for recusal.
Kanu has been in SSS custody since 2021 and is facing charges of terrorism and treasonable felony linked to his separatist activities.
IPOB, which advocates for the secession of the southeastern region from Nigeria, was proscribed and designated a terrorist organization by the Nigerian government in 2017. The group recently challenged its proscription at the Supreme Court.
