From Victor Osula, Abuja
The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) before the Federal High Court in Abuja, has again, been stalled and adjourned indefinitely.
Kanu is facing a seven-count amended charge of treason and terrorism preferred against him by the Federal Government, following an order of the Supreme Court which on December 15, 2023, vacated the judgement of the Court of Appeal, Abuja.
The appellate court had on October 13, 2022, quashed the terrorism and treason charges against Kanu and ordered his immediate release from detention.
Kanu has been in the detention facility of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 27, 2021 when he was extradited to Nigeria after he was re-arrested in Kenya on June 19,
Earlier, Justice Binta Nyako recused herself from the case on September 24 after Kanu demanded that she hands off the case, claiming he no longer has confidence in the judge’s ability to ensure fair hearing
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, had directed Justice Nyako to continue the trial until a formal application for withdrawal is held.
However, at the resumption of court proceedings on Monday, Kanu’s lawyer Aloy Ejimakor again told Justice Nyako to recuse herself from the trial.
“The defendant is still asking that your lordship recuse herself from this matter”, Ejimakor told the court.
In response, the judge said, “The Chief Judge had not accepted the recusal and had referred the case back.”
Justice Nyako, however, asked the defence team, led by Ejimakor, to send a written application if they still insist on the recusal.
She adjourned the trial indefinitely.
