Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has stepped down from Nnamdi Kanu’s trial due to allegations of bias and a dramatic outburst in court.
Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), demanded that Justice Nyako recuse herself, citing a lack of confidence in her impartiality.
The incident occurred during Tuesday’s proceedings when Kanu suddenly stood up and instructed his lawyer, Aloy Ejimako, to sit down so he could address the court.
Kanu took control of the proceedings, announcing his distrust in Justice Nyako and requesting her recusal.
Despite objections from the federal government’s lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo, who argued that continuing the trial was in line with a Supreme Court judgment, Justice Nyako opted to recuse herself, stating her preference for another judge to handle the trial.
Consequently, Justice Nyako ordered the case file to be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, for reassignment to another judge.
Meanwhile, Kanu has been returned to the Department of State Services (DSS) custody.
Recall that Kanu is facing terrorism charges brought by the federal government. His trial has sparked widespread protests and calls for his release.
