The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, Monday, contested the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Abuja over his ongoing terrorism trial.
His objection came as Justice Binta Nyako resumed hearing on the matter after previously recusing herself from the case.
According to Channels, Kanu, who was extradited to Nigeria in June 2021, has been in detention since then. His trial faced delays after he expressed a lack of confidence in Justice Nyako’s handling of the case, leading to her decision to step aside on September 24, 2024.
However, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, later reassigned the case to Nyako, stating that Kanu’s request for her recusal must be formally filed through a motion on notice.
During Monday’s proceedings, Kanu questioned why his case was being heard by Justice Nyako, asserting that he did not recognize her jurisdiction.
He insisted that her earlier recusal should remain valid and expressed dissatisfaction with the Chief Judge’s decision to return the case to her.
His lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, had earlier requested that the case be transferred to a Federal High Court in the South-East if no judge in Abuja was willing to preside. This request, however, was not granted.
In response, the prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo, stated that they were prepared to proceed with the trial as their witnesses were ready.
Awomolo objected to Kanu’s remarks, arguing that it was inappropriate for him to challenge the court’s authority.
Despite Kanu’s continued objections, Justice Nyako ruled that the defence must submit a written application if they still wished for her to step down. She then adjourned the case indefinitely.
