Nnamdi Kanu Challenges Court Jurisdiction As Justice Binta Nyako Adjourns Case Indefinitely

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), appeared in court on Monday, questioning the jurisdiction of Justice Binta Nyako over his ongoing trial.

Despite Kanu’s claim that Justice Binta Nyako lacked jurisdiction over his case, the judge adjourned the matter indefinitely.

Kanu, who has been in detention since June 2021 on terrorism-related charges, previously objected to Justice Nyako handling his trial.

In September 2024, the IPOB leader openly stated that he had lost confidence in her, leading to her recusal.

However, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, later reassigned the case back to Nyako, stating that Kanu’s request had to be formally submitted as a motion.

The prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo, had requested a trial date in a letter dated December 5, 2024.

The defense, represented by Aloy Ejimakor, countered in a December 9 letter, arguing that Nyako’s recusal should stand and demanded that the case be transferred to a court in the South-East.

However, Nnamdi Kanu’s request was not granted.

At Monday’s hearing, Justice Nyako reaffirmed that the Chief Judge had not accepted her recusal, advising Kanu’s legal team to file a formal request if they wished to challenge her jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, the prosecution stated they were ready to proceed, with witnesses prepared to testify.

Kanu, addressing the court, questioned why he was still being tried under Justice Nyako, insisting that she had no authority over his case.

He criticized the handling of the legal system in Nigeria and expressed dissatisfaction with the Chief Judge’s decision to return the case to Nyako.

Nnamdi Kanu said he was only in court because of the respect he has for the rule of law, adding that the judge had previously recused herself from the case.

Prosecutor Awomolo objected to Kanu’s remarks, urging the court to set a trial date and arguing that it was improper for Kanu to challenge the court’s authority.

However, despite the back-and-forth, Justice Binta Nyako ruled to adjourn the case indefinitely.

KanyiDaily recalls that Nnamdi Kanu had opposed the Federal Government’s request to resume his trial, insisting that Justice Binta Nyako, must withdraw from the case.