“Kanu Seeks Trial Transfer to South-East, Questions Justice Nyako’s Role

Nnamdi Kanu Requests Transfer of Trial to Southeast Amid Concerns Over Judicial Integrity

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has requested that his ongoing trial be moved to the Southeast region if no judge at the Federal High Court in Abuja is willing to preside over it other than Justice Binta Nyako.

This appeal was relayed on Wednesday through Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, following a routine legal team meeting at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility in Abuja.

The development arises after Justice Nyako, on September 24, 2024, recused herself from the case, citing Kanu’s expressed lack of confidence in her impartiality. The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, had subsequently re-assigned the case back to Justice Nyako for continuation.

However, Kanu’s legal team strongly opposes her return to the case, describing it as a violation of judicial principles. They emphasized the need for a new judge and urged the Chief Judge to consider relocating the trial to a Federal High Court within the Southeast region, where the alleged offenses occurred.

According to Ejimakor, Kanu instructed his team to take immediate action to prevent Justice Nyako from handling his trial. He argued that her resumption after previously recusing herself undermines judicial integrity.

“The routine visitation to Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu continues unabated, as the legal team just concluded a crucial visitation today,” Ejimakor stated.

“The central issue arising at today’s visitation is the upcoming court date for the continuation of MNK’s case. Due to its constitutional implications, Onyendu instructed the legal team to ensure the case is not handled by Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako, who withdrew from the case by virtue of her recusal on September 24, 2024.

“If no judge in Abuja is willing to preside over the trial, the Chief Judge is urged to transfer the case to a Federal High Court in the Southeast, such as Umuahia, Awka, Enugu, Asaba, or Port Harcourt.”

Background of the Case

Kanu, a separatist leader and pro-Biafra activist, has faced various legal challenges since his arrest and extradition to Nigeria. His trial revolves around allegations of treasonable felony and other offenses linked to his activities as the leader of IPOB.

The call for relocation underscores Kanu’s long-standing demand for a fair trial and addresses perceived bias in the handling of his case in Abuja.

  • Kanu recently filed a complaint against Justice Nyako with the National Judicial Council, alleging judicial bias.
  • The Nigerian Army has reported increased operations against IPOB members in the Southeast, highlighting continued tensions in the region.
  • Calls for addressing the broader grievances fueling separatist movements, including marginalization claims, remain a critical issue for stakeholders.

The situation now awaits the Chief Judge’s decision on whether to reassign the trial to a different judge or relocate the case to the Southeast.

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