IPOB Lawyer Rejects Nigerian Government’s Request To Resume Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial

The lead counsel for Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has rejected the Nigerian government’s move to set a date for the resumption of Kanu’s trial.  

Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s lawyer, argued that the request by the prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, was “fatally misconceived,” citing that Justice Binta Nyako of the Abuja Federal High Court had recused herself from the case on September 24, 2024, following Kanu’s lack of confidence in her handling of the trial.  

Justice Nyako had returned the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, who subsequently returned it to her. 

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Despite this, Ejimakor maintains that the recusal order remains valid and has not been overturned by any competent court.  

In his counter-letter to the Deputy Chief Registrar, Ejimakor stated:  

“Our position is predicated on the fact that Justice Nyako had entered and enrolled an order recusing herself from the trial, which remains extant and subsisting. 

The government’s request could mislead the court into unconstitutional actions.”  

Kanu has been held in custody since June 2021, following his extraordinary rendition from Kenya to Nigeria.

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Although the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted him of all charges, the Nigerian government has refused to release him.  

The Supreme Court later directed that Kanu’s case be retried at the Federal High Court. 

Ejimakor continues to demand that the government comply with the initial court rulings and release his client.